B
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
23%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Central Louisiana National
Cost of living10591100
Goods & Services10596100
Groceries9795100
Health care10099100
Housing12381100
Transportation9696100
Utilities7384100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Central, LA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Central? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Central stands at 105, making it 5% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Central aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Central residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Housing costs significantly influence the Central cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 22.5%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Central Affordable?

Wondering if Central is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Central, for example, the median home price is 30% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 5% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Central boasting a median household income of $90,183, which is 63% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Central?

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Central, the housing index stands at 22.5% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday goods and services, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Central, the standard sales tax rate starts at 4.45%, and the income tax rates commence at 1.85%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Central displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Central is 16% higher than the Louisiana average
  • The cost of living in Central is 5% higher than the national average
  • Central housing is 23% higher than the national average
  • Louisiana general sales tax is 13% lower than the national average
  • Louisiana state income tax is 18% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Central

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Compare Central, LA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$93,369$7,781$2,178$2,801
      Renters$54,577$4,548$1,273$1,637
      The affordability of the housing market in Central, LA as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Central homeowners, the median income is $93,369. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,178 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $54,577. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,273 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Louisiana Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Louisiana 4.45% 11.45%

      Louisiana Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Louisiana 1.85% 4.25%

      Goods & Services

      Item Central National avg. Difference
      Haircut $25.61$24.265.6%
      Beauty Salon $43.33$45.564.9%
      Toothpaste $3.63$3.702.0%
      Shampoo $1.17$1.288.9%
      Movie $11.59$12.134.5%
      Bowling $20.00$18.0011.1%

      Groceries

      Item Central National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.45$5.846.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.67$1.576.2%
      Milk $4.56$4.672.4%
      Potatoes $5.20$4.935.4%
      Pizza $10.99$12.099.1%
      Beer $10.03$10.413.7%

      Health Care

      Item Central National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $114.13$125.689.2%
      Doctor $130.33$135.784.0%
      Dentist $114.58$113.291.1%
      Ibuprofen $10.22$10.654.1%
      Lipitor $527.50$468.6012.6%

      Housing

      Item Central National avg. Difference
      Home Price $240,200.00$184,700.0030.0%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,958.49$2,346.6916.5%
      Apartment Rent $996.00$949.005.0%

      Transportation

      Item Central National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.20$3.467.5%
      Tire Balancing $61.61$59.922.8%

      Utilities

      Item Central National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $111.88$193.9942.3%
      Phone $185.70$192.253.4%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Baker, LA13,2339010.4%
      Merrydale, LA9,5239010.1%
      Port Allen, LA4,883937.4%
      Denham Springs, LA9,908955.4%
      Monticello, LA4,926954.9%
      Central, LA29,2351054.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Laplace, LA29,232954.8%
      Russellville, AR29,2278217.6%
      Port Chester, NY29,21014847.6%
      Niles, IL29,19811616.4%
      Carlsbad, NM29,278955.5%
      Central, LA29,2351054.7%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.