A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
2%
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 Jefferson Louisiana National
Cost of living9893100
Groceries9698100
Health care9596100
Housing10282100
Transportation9697100
Utilities100101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9696100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare9295100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Jefferson, LA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Jefferson? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Jefferson stands at 98, making it 2% lower 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 Jefferson is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Jefferson Affordable?

Is Jefferson an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Jefferson, the median home price is 6.9% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 10.7% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Jefferson come in at $68,814, which is 15.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jefferson?

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Jefferson, healthcare costs are 5.4% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Jefferson, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 4.45%, and income tax rates start at 1.85%.

Where is the Data From?

The Jefferson cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Jefferson is 5% higher than the Louisiana average
  • The cost of living in Jefferson is 2% lower than the national average
  • Jefferson housing is 2% higher 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 Jefferson

See all the best places to live around Jefferson

Compare Jefferson, LA Cost of Living

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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$103,890$8,658$2,424$3,117
      Renters$48,110$4,009$1,122$1,443
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Jefferson, LA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Jefferson have a median income of $103,890. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,424 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $48,110, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,122.

      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.
      Pleasure Bend, LA3108515.5%
      Bridge City, LA6,5758811.9%
      Avondale, LA4,990919.5%
      New Sarpy, LA1,3098911.2%
      Westwego, LA8,662919.1%
      Jefferson, LA10,681982.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Newcastle, OK10,6821000.1%
      Progress Village, FL10,6841099.0%
      Melvindale, MI10,6858614.1%
      Vidalia, GA10,6878910.8%
      Richmond Heights, OH10,673919.4%
      Jefferson, LA10,681982.3%
      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.