Salary Needed to Live in New Orleans as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $18,591/year to live comfortably in New Orleans, LA — including 10% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$18,591
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$16,112
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,007
8% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in New Orleans
| Expense | New Orleans | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $87 | $113 | -23% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $18 | $17 | +6% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $13 | $14 | -7% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $28 | $26 | +8% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $195 | $223 | -13% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $41 | $56 | -27% |
| Internet | $63 | $65 | -3% |
| Phone | $82 | $85 | -4% |
| Dining & Social | $291 | $300 | -3% |
| Entertainment | $116 | $120 | -3% |
| Personal Care | $73 | $75 | -3% |
| Total Monthly | $1,007 | $1,094 | -8% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,007
Target savings (10%):$129/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,136
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$18,591
Other Household Types in New Orleans
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in New Orleans?
A single person needs approximately $18,591/year ($1,549/month gross) to live comfortably in New Orleans with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in New Orleans?
A studio/1br in New Orleans costs approximately $87/month, which is the largest single expense at 9% of the total budget.
Is New Orleans affordable for a single person?
Yes, New Orleans is 8% more affordable than the national average for a single person.