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Cost of Living in Ouachita Parish

Is it better to rent or buy in Ouachita Parish? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$58,875
$1,023/mo

Median in area: $1,023

$185,238

Median in area: $185,238

$37,048

If you Rent

🔑
$1,226 /mo
Base Rent$1,023
Est. Utilities$203
% of Income25.0%
Pre-tax Residual$3,680

If you Buy

🏠
$1,338 /mo
P&I (7.138%)$1,000
Taxes & Ins$135
Est. Utilities$203
% of Income27.3%
Pre-tax Residual$3,569

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Ouachita Parish stacks up against neighboring areas.

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Ouachita Parish?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Ouachita Parish. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,226, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,338 per month (a difference of $112).

How much do utilities cost in Ouachita Parish?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Ouachita Parish is approximately $203. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Ouachita Parish?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Ouachita Parish without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $49,040 per year.