Furnished or Unfurnished: The Smarter Way to Stay in New Orleans

Editor’s Note: Originally published in 2020. Updated November 2025 with current rental rates, utility costs, and market insights. Original infographics remain for visual reference; new market data is cited throughout the text.

Making the Right Move in the Crescent City

If you’re relocating to New Orleans—whether for a long-term work assignment, travel nurse contract or remote gig—you’ve probably wondered: should I rent a furnished or unfurnished place?

For short-term stays, the answer is easy. Furnished rentals save time and hassle. But what about a nine-month project or a year-long relocation? That’s where the math gets interesting.

Let’s take a fresh look at what’s changed since this post was first published—and what truly makes sense in 2025.

The Current Market: What Rentals Really Cost

Five years ago, unfurnished units in New Orleans averaged about $850 a month. That’s no longer the case.

According to RentCafe, unfurnished one-bedroom apartments now average about $1,255/month, while Apartments.com lists the citywide average near $1,277/month. (RentCafe, 2025; Apartments.com, 2025)

On the furnished side, Apartments.com and HouseStay listings show prices ranging from $1,400 to $1,900/month, depending on neighborhood, amenities and lease length. (HouseStay, 2025)

That gap—once nearly double—has narrowed significantly. A few years ago, going unfurnished could save $800–$900 monthly. Now, the prices are a wash.

Utilities: The Hidden Add-On

One of the easiest costs to underestimate when renting in New Orleans is utilities. They might not seem like much individually, but once you add up power, water/trash, cable and Wi-Fi, they can noticeably shift your monthly budget.

Electricity in New Orleans tends to be the biggest variable. Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans, the area’s main provider, reports average residential bills around $180–$200 per month for a modest one-bedroom unit—higher during the thick of summer when air conditioners work overtime. The city’s old homes and humidity don’t do energy efficiency any favors, so budgeting on the higher side is smart.

Water and trash are billed together by the Sewerage and Water Board every other month. The cost fluctuates depending on household size, but most one-bedroom tenants can expect to pay about $40–$65 per month when averaged out. Trash and sanitation are included in that fee, so there’s no separate bill to manage.

Cable and internet have become less of a luxury and more of a lifeline for remote workers and business travelers. Most residents rely on bundled plans from Cox or AT&T, which range between $75 and $160 per month depending on speed and streaming habits. For those skipping cable entirely, a solid internet plan paired with subscription services like Netflix or Hulu still averages around $80-$120 per month.

Altogether, a realistic monthly estimate for utilities in an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment in New Orleans comes in near $300–$420 per month in 2025—an amount that can quickly erase the cost advantage of an unfurnished lease if not factored into your budget from the start.

Furnishing Costs: More Than Just a Sofa

Furniture rentals remain fairly consistent. CORT Furniture Rental still starts basic one-bedroom packages at roughly $320/month, covering the essentials: bed, sofa, dining table, and lighting. That part hasn’t changed much.

But if you’re moving into a blank apartment, you’ll still need kitchen gear, linens, and decor. A modest Target or Amazon run will easily hit $500–$600, or about $40/month if spread over a year—just like before.

(Infographic based on 2020 market averages. Updated 2025 numbers appear in the text above.)

Category	2020 Estimate	2025 Updated
Rent (Unfurnished 1BR)	$850	$1,255–$1,277
Utilities + Internet	$220	$350
Furnishings	$320	$320
Decor & Accessories	$40	$40
Total Monthly Cost	$1,430	≈ $1,900–$2,000

Sources: RentCafe, Apartments.com, Numbeo, DestinationGNO (all accessed Nov 2025)

So Which Option Really Wins Now?

Given today’s numbers, unfurnished apartments don’t deliver the savings they once did—especially for anyone staying less than two years. Once you add furniture and utilities, the total cost is as much if not more the cost of a comparable furnished rental.

Meanwhile, furnished rentals usually include utilities, Wi-Fi, and maintenance, saving you time and upfront effort. No hauling furniture, setting up accounts or weekend furniture trips.

For business travelers, travel nurses and anyone on temporary assignment, furnished rentals are still the smarter move—especially when your focus is on work, not home setup.

The Bottom Line: Furnished or Unfurnished in New Orleans

If you’re planning to stay in New Orleans for under 18–24 months, a furnished rental still offers the best blend of cost, comfort and convenience in 2025. To top it all off, our monthly rate has remained the same for years, offering unmatched value.

Places like The Geneva House make it easy for you to settle in quickly—offering stylish, move-in-ready apartments designed for working professionals. Because when you’re living in the Crescent City, your time is better spent exploring neighborhood cafés than assembling a dining table.

Visit thegenevahouse.com to explore fully furnished options for your stay.