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
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.