Cost of Living in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Mary Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Mary Parish ranks #1,711 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana
St. Mary matches national affordability norms
At 19.4%, St. Mary's rent-to-income ratio sits at the national benchmark, reflecting sustainable housing costs for renters. With a median household income of $51,768, residents earn significantly less than the national median of $74,755 but achieve affordability through lower regional rents.
Top-tier affordability across Louisiana
St. Mary ranks among Louisiana's most affordable parishes with a 19.4% rent-to-income ratio, outperforming the state average of 19.5%. This consistency places the parish in the best quartile statewide for housing burden.
Lower rents, lower home values too
St. Mary's $839 monthly rent undercuts the state average of $873 by $34, sitting in the middle of the tri-parish cluster. Median home values of $128,000 make St. Mary the most affordable for buyers among St. Landry, St. Martin, and St. Mary.
Housing takes 19% of household budgets
Renters pay $839 monthly while homeowners carry $552, with a median income of $51,768 spreading that burden comfortably. At 19.4% of income, housing leaves substantial room for healthcare, food, and other necessities.
St. Mary offers deep affordability for movers
If lowest home values and rent burdens appeal to you, St. Mary Parish delivers with median ownership costs of $552 and homes valued near $128,000. Test this parish against neighboring options before committing to your Louisiana relocation.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Mary Parish
Affordability Verdict
For renters in St. Mary Parish, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $839/month in gross rent, with 30.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in St. Mary Parish is $839/month, while owner costs run $552/month. Owning saves approximately $287/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,657/year. With a median household income of $51,768, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in St. Mary Parish are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Louisiana, St. Mary Parish is less affordable than Iberia Parish by roughly 6% ($839/mo vs $891/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Mary Parish
Rent Burden
19.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,208
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in St. Mary Parish
Median home value is $128,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,022 vs. your max of $1,208.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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. Mary Parish, Louisiana?
What is the median rent in St. Mary Parish?
Is St. Mary Parish affordable?
How does St. Mary Parish's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in St. Mary Parish?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in St. Mary 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.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.