A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
33%
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 Minden Louisiana National
Cost of living8893100
Groceries9898100
Health care9796100
Housing6782100
Transportation9597100
Utilities98101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9896100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare9895100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Minden, LA

The cost of living in Minden 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 Minden is 88, which is 12% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Is Minden Affordable?

Is Minden 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 Minden, for instance, where the median home price falls 38% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 20.1% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Minden flaunting a median household income of $40,304, 50.4% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Minden?

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

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 Minden, the transportation index is 4.7% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Minden, the groceries index is 2.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Minden 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 Minden is 5% lower than the Louisiana average
  • The cost of living in Minden is 12% lower than the national average
  • Minden housing is 33% 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 Minden

See all the best places to live around Minden

Compare Minden, 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$69,222$5,769$1,615$2,077
      Renters$32,973$2,748$769$989
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Minden, 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 Minden have a median income of $69,222. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,615 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $32,973, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $769.

      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.
      Cotton Valley, LA9927624.2%
      Gibsland, LA6708020.4%
      Dixie Inn, LA2848019.9%
      Homer, LA2,9688118.6%
      Doyline, LA7668217.5%
      Minden, LA12,3918811.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      East Bethel, MN12,39111010.3%
      Lantana, FL12,39011313.1%
      Lake Los Angeles, CA12,39411615.7%
      Sidney, BC12,386n/a 
      Rossmoor, CA12,384226126.0%
      Minden, LA12,3918811.8%
      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.