A+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
14%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Houma Louisiana National
Cost of living9493100
Groceries9798100
Health care9596100
Housing8682100
Transportation9797100
Utilities100101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9596100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9495100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Houma, LA

The cost of living in Houma affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Houma is 94, which is 6% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Houma aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Houma 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.

Is Houma Affordable?

Is Houma affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Houma, for instance, where the median home price falls 10.7% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 20.2% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Houma flaunting a median household income of $67,531, 17% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Houma?

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Houma, the housing index is 13.5% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Houma, the transportation index is 3.3% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Houma cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Houma is 1% higher than the Louisiana average
  • The cost of living in Houma is 6% lower than the national average
  • Houma housing is 14% lower than the national average
  • Louisiana general sales tax is 13% lower than the national average
  • Louisiana state income tax is 29% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Houma

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Compare Houma, LA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$94,930$7,911$2,215$2,848
      Renters$38,982$3,249$910$1,170
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Houma, LA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Houma, homeowners have a median income of $94,930. Using that number, a maximum of $2,215 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $38,982, which means there is a maximum of $910 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Dulac, LA8278020.2%
      Chauvin, LA2,8558317.1%
      Montegut, LA1,8578515.5%
      Gray, LA6,5388713.2%
      Raceland, LA11,0838812.4%
      Houma, LA33,829946.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Helena, MT33,8201109.8%
      LaSalle, ON33,838n/a 
      Walla Walla, WA33,84111111.4%
      Lewiston, ID33,8031022.3%
      Pueblo West, CO33,79811010.5%
      Houma, LA33,829946.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.