Cost of Living in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Tammany Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Tammany Parish ranks #2,169 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 31%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana
St. Tammany rents rise with incomes
At 19.8%, St. Tammany's rent-to-income ratio remains at the national affordability threshold despite the parish commanding the state's highest rents at $1,305 monthly. The difference: St. Tammany's median household income of $79,277 actually exceeds the national median by $4,522, allowing residents to absorb higher costs.
Louisiana's priciest but still affordable
St. Tammany stands alone at the top of Louisiana's cost-of-living spectrum, with median rents $432 above state average and home values of $272,200. Yet the parish maintains a reasonable 19.8% rent-to-income ratio, thanks to incomes that outpace all other Louisiana parishes.
St. Tammany costs double nearby parishes
At $1,305 monthly rent and $272,200 home values, St. Tammany dwarfs adjacent parishes—St. Landry rents for $742 and homes cost $142,900. This premium reflects St. Tammany's position as the region's economic engine and most desirable address.
High incomes justify premium housing costs
Renters here spend $1,305 monthly while homeowners carry $1,313, with a median income of $79,277 absorbing these costs elegantly. At 19.8% of household income, housing remains manageable even at premium prices.
St. Tammany for those with higher earnings
Relocating professionals earning above Louisiana's median should evaluate St. Tammany's $1,305 rents and $272,200 homes against their income stability. Compare this parish's premium positioning to lower-cost neighbors to determine if location justifies the price premium.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Tammany Parish
Affordability Verdict
For renters in St. Tammany Parish, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,305/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,305/month rent versus $1,313/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $8/month cheaper — a 1% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $52,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $56,271/year. With a median household income of $79,277, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in St. Tammany Parish are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Orleans Parish where rent averages $1,211/month, St. Tammany Parish is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Tammany Parish
Rent Burden
19.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,850
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.9%
of gross income
The median home in St. Tammany Parish may be a stretch
Median home value is $272,200. Estimated monthly cost: $2,173 vs. your max of $1,850.
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. Tammany 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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