Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in New Orleans, LA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.5% of gross income.
New Orleans rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Louisiana state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Louisiana cities have lower median rent than New Orleans, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for New Orleans
View full rent data for New Orleans, LA →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in New Orleans, LA?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,664 a month. A typical firefighter in Louisiana earns about $54,645 a year, which makes that rent 36.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in New Orleans?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Louisiana (~$54,645/yr) supports up to $1,366 a month in rent. New Orleans's current median rent is $1,664/mo, which is $298/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in New Orleans?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a firefighter in Louisiana works roughly 63.3 hours a month to cover New Orleans's median rent of $1,664.
Where is rent cheaper than New Orleans for a firefighter?
Nearby Louisiana cities with lower median rent include Gonzales ($1,662/mo), Metairie ($1,662/mo), Metairie ($1,660/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.