Cost of Living in Jena, LA

With a cost of living index of 72, Jena, LA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 28% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Louisiana state average. Jena is a small community of 4,139 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Jena's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $922 (30% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $157,900 (48% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Jena is $85,955, which is 14% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 13% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

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.