A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
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 Opelousas Louisiana National
Cost of living8893100
Groceries9698100
Health care9696100
Housing6782100
Transportation10097100
Utilities100101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9396100
Household Items10098100
Education & Childcare9695100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Opelousas, LA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Opelousas is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Opelousas is 88, which is 12% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Is Opelousas Affordable?

Wondering if Opelousas 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 Opelousas, for example, the median home price is 30.9% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 37.5% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Opelousas boasting a median household income of $49,556, which is 39.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Opelousas?

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 Opelousas, the transportation index is 0.3% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Opelousas, the utilities index is 0.4% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Opelousas, healthcare costs are 4.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Opelousas cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

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

See all the best places to live around Opelousas

Compare Opelousas, LA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Opelousas?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Opelousas?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Opelousas poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$79,141$6,595$1,847$2,374
      Renters$25,828$2,152$603$775
      The affordability of the housing market in Opelousas, 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 Opelousas homeowners, the median income is $79,141. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,847 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $25,828. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $603 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Branch, LA3687426.3%
      Arnaudville, LA1,6618119.0%
      Ville Platte, LA7,3408118.6%
      Chataignier, LA2588218.4%
      Port Barre, LA1,6668317.4%
      Opelousas, LA17,0328811.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      North Myrtle Beach, SC17,03211211.8%
      Abington, MA17,03314040.3%
      Pendleton, OR17,0381055.3%
      Truckee, CA17,02315858.3%
      Yorkton, SK17,021n/a 
      Opelousas, LA17,0328811.7%
      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.