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Cost of Living in St. Tammany Parish

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

$85,789
$1,339/mo

Median in area: $1,339

$296,521

Median in area: $296,521

$59,304

If you Rent

🔑
$1,542 /mo
Base Rent$1,339
Est. Utilities$203
% of Income21.6%
Pre-tax Residual$5,607

If you Buy

🏠
$2,250 /mo
P&I (6.999%)$1,578
Taxes & Ins$469
Est. Utilities$203
% of Income31.5%
Pre-tax Residual$4,899

Compare Nearby Areas

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

countyWashington Parish, LA
$735/mo
countyOrleans Parish, LA
$1,347/mo
countyHancock County, MS
$1,085/mo
countyPearl River County, MS
$955/mo
countyTangipahoa Parish, LA
$1,031/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in St. Tammany Parish. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,542, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,250 per month (a difference of $708).

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

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in St. Tammany 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 St. Tammany Parish?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in St. Tammany Parish without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $61,680 per year.