Cost of Living in Gretna, LA

With a cost of living index of 83, Gretna, LA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 17% cheaper than the national average and 8% above the Louisiana state average of 74. Gretna is a smaller community of 17,468 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Gretna's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,017 (23% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $242,600 (20% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.3x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Gretna is $46,045, which is 39% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Everyday prices in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.