Cost of Living in St. James Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. James Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. James Parish, Louisiana
St. James achieves excellent rent value
St. James Parish renters spend just 15.3% of income on housing—tied for Louisiana's best rent-to-income ratio and well below national affordability benchmarks. With median rent of $821 and household income of $64,536, St. James delivers strong rental value alongside the state's higher income profile.
Top-tier affordability in Louisiana
St. James Parish ranks among Louisiana's most affordable parishes for renters at 15.3% rent-to-income, matching Sabine Parish's exceptional performance. The combination of reasonable median rent at $821 and solid household income of $64,536 positions St. James as a standout value within the state.
Better balance than nearby parishes
St. James's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio beats neighboring St. Bernard Parish's 22.6% and St. John the Baptist Parish's 19.9%, despite comparable proximity to New Orleans economic activity. The $821 rent offers better value than St. Bernard's $1,083 while supporting stronger incomes than rural alternatives.
Both rent and ownership are accessible
St. James renters allocate just 15.3% of income to $821 monthly rent, while homeowners with $700 mortgages claim 13% of income—both exceptional ratios. The median home value of $197,800 provides fair value for buyers, making both rental and ownership paths genuinely affordable in this parish.
St. James balances affordability and access
St. James Parish delivers Louisiana's best overall housing value, combining excellent rent-to-income ratios of 15.3% with solid household incomes and reasonable home prices under $198,000. Whether you're relocating as a renter or buyer, St. James offers affordability advantages rare among parishes with comparable income levels and economic opportunity.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. James Parish
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,506
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.0%
of gross income
The median home in St. James Parish may be a stretch
Median home value is $197,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,579 vs. your max of $1,506.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in St. James Parish, Louisiana?
What is the median rent in St. James Parish?
Is St. James Parish affordable?
How does St. James Parish's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in St. James Parish?
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in St. James Parish, Louisiana? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCounties with Similar Housing Costs
Compare Mortgage Rates in St. James Parish
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.