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Cost of Living in Rapides Parish

Is it better to rent or buy in Rapides 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.

$58,913
$988/mo

Median in area: $988

$178,719

Median in area: $178,719

$35,744

If you Rent

🔑
$1,205 /mo
Base Rent$988
Est. Utilities$217
% of Income24.5%
Pre-tax Residual$3,704

If you Buy

🏠
$1,322 /mo
P&I (7.155%)$966
Taxes & Ins$139
Est. Utilities$217
% of Income26.9%
Pre-tax Residual$3,587

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Rapides Parish stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyNatchitoches Parish, LA
$799/mo
countyEvangeline Parish, LA
$755/mo
countyVernon Parish, LA
$995/mo
countyGrant Parish, LA
$923/mo
countyAvoyelles Parish, LA
$723/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Rapides Parish?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Rapides Parish. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,205, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,322 per month (a difference of $117).

How much do utilities cost in Rapides Parish?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Rapides Parish is approximately $217. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Rapides Parish?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Rapides Parish without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $48,200 per year.