Safe Rate Local

Cost of Living in St. James Parish

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

← Back to St. James Parish Hub

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$68,955
$1,210/mo

Median in area: $1,210

$212,591

Median in area: $212,591

$42,518

If you Rent

🔑
$1,381 /mo
Base Rent$1,210
Est. Utilities$171
% of Income24.0%
Pre-tax Residual$4,365

If you Buy

🏠
$1,619 /mo
P&I (7.14%)$1,148
Taxes & Ins$300
Est. Utilities$171
% of Income28.2%
Pre-tax Residual$4,128

Compare Nearby Areas

See how St. James Parish stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyAssumption Parish, LA
$911/mo
countyLafourche Parish, LA
$1,005/mo
countyAscension Parish, LA
$1,340/mo
countySt. John the Baptist Parish, LA
$1,362/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in St. James Parish?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in St. James Parish. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,381, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,619 per month (a difference of $238).

How much do utilities cost in St. James Parish?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in St. James Parish is approximately $171. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in St. James Parish?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in St. James Parish without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $55,240 per year.