Cost of Living in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Charles Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Charles Parish ranks #1,718 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana
St. Charles has state's highest incomes
St. Charles Parish residents enjoy a median household income of $82,172—$7,417 above the national average—making housing more affordable despite higher absolute costs. At 16.7%, the rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below state and national affordability thresholds, supported by significantly stronger earning power.
Income advantage drives affordability
St. Charles Parish boasts Louisiana's highest median household income at $82,172, enabling residents to absorb higher housing costs while maintaining a 16.7% rent-to-income ratio below the state average. This income strength explains why St. Charles can support median rents of $1,144—the second-highest surveyed—while remaining relatively affordable.
Premium prices, premium incomes
St. Charles rents and home values rival New Orleans-area parishes like St. Bernard and St. John the Baptist, yet the 16.7% rent-to-income ratio beats both due to substantially higher local incomes. St. Charles residents earn roughly $15,000 more annually than neighbors, enabling them to afford higher housing costs comfortably.
High earners, high costs balanced
St. Charles renters spend 16.7% of income on $1,144 monthly rent, while homeowners with $1,270 mortgages allocate 18.6% of income—an unusual reversal where renting is slightly cheaper. The median home value of $256,800 reflects the parish's affluent character and proximity to industrial corridors that support high local wages.
St. Charles rewards higher earners
If your relocation comes with a strong salary, St. Charles Parish offers the most affluent Louisiana community surveyed, with median incomes and home values reflecting economic strength. The 16.7% rent-to-income ratio suggests housing remains manageable for professionals and established households, despite the parish's premium pricing.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Charles Parish
Affordability Verdict
St. Charles Parish is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,144/month representing approximately 16.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 35.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in St. Charles Parish is $1,144/month, while owner costs run $1,270/month. Renting saves approximately $126/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $45,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,429/year. With a median household income of $82,172, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 35.0% of renter households in St. Charles Parish are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Louisiana, St. Charles Parish is more affordable than St. Bernard Parish by roughly 6% ($1,144/mo vs $1,083/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Charles Parish
Rent Burden
16.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,917
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
The median home in St. Charles Parish may be a stretch
Median home value is $256,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,050 vs. your max of $1,917.
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. Charles Parish, Louisiana?
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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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