Cost of Living in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Bernard Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Bernard Parish ranks #2,326 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana
St. Bernard rents strain household budgets
St. Bernard Parish renters spend 22.6% of income on housing—well above the state average of 19.5% and near the federal affordability crisis threshold of 30%. With median rent of $1,083 against a median household income of $57,638, St. Bernard presents genuine affordability challenges for renters despite higher incomes than many rural parishes.
Louisiana's least affordable rental market
St. Bernard Parish ranks among Louisiana's least affordable parishes for renters, with a 22.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly above the state average of 19.5%. Median rent of $1,083 tops the parishes surveyed, reflecting the parish's proximity to New Orleans and stronger housing demand.
Rents spike closer to New Orleans
St. Bernard's median rent of $1,083 exceeds neighboring parishes by $200+ monthly, with only St. John the Baptist Parish approaching these price points at $1,118. The proximity to New Orleans metro creates rental competition that drives St. Bernard costs well above rural Louisiana averages.
Homeownership offers modest relief
St. Bernard renters allocate 22.6% of income to housing, while homeowners spending $850 monthly claim 17.7% of income—a $233 gap favoring purchase. Though the median home value of $192,100 is highest among these parishes, the homeownership savings justify the higher purchase price for budget-conscious households.
St. Bernard requires stronger finances
St. Bernard Parish suits relocators with above-average incomes seeking New Orleans-area proximity, but budget-conscious renters should compare the 22.6% rental burden against more affordable parishes. Buyers with down payment capacity will find homeownership offers meaningful monthly savings versus rent in this higher-cost area.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Bernard Parish
Affordability Verdict
For renters in St. Bernard Parish, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,083/month in gross rent, with 35.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,083/month rent versus $850/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $233/month cheaper — a 22% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $43,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,429/year. With a median household income of $57,638, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 35.0% of renter households in St. Bernard Parish are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lafayette Parish where rent averages $1,022/month, St. Bernard Parish is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Bernard Parish
Rent Burden
22.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,345
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.7%
of gross income
The median home in St. Bernard Parish may be a stretch
Median home value is $192,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,534 vs. your max of $1,345.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana?
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What is the median home value in St. Bernard Parish?
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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