Cost of Living in Merrydale, LA

With a cost of living index of 78, Merrydale, LA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 22% cheaper than the national average and 4% above the Louisiana state average of 74. Merrydale is a smaller community of 9,149 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Merrydale's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,187 (10% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $124,300 (59% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Merrydale is $41,986, which is 44% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 34% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Everyday prices in the Baton Rouge, 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.