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Cost of Living in St. Mary Parish

Is it better to rent or buy in St. Mary 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.

$55,269
$863/mo

Median in area: $863

$137,406

Median in area: $137,406

$27,481

If you Rent

🔑
$1,085 /mo
Base Rent$863
Est. Utilities$222
% of Income23.6%
Pre-tax Residual$3,521

If you Buy

🏠
$1,165 /mo
P&I (7.128%)$741
Taxes & Ins$202
Est. Utilities$222
% of Income25.3%
Pre-tax Residual$3,441

Compare Nearby Areas

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

countyAssumption Parish, LA
$911/mo
countySt. Martin Parish, LA
$887/mo
countyTerrebonne Parish, LA
$1,031/mo
countyIberia Parish, LA
$968/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in St. Mary Parish. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,085, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,165 per month (a difference of $80).

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

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in St. Mary Parish is approximately $222. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in St. Mary Parish without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $43,400 per year.