Cost of Living in St. Joseph, LA

With a cost of living index of 58, St. Joseph, LA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 42% cheaper than the national average and 16% below the Louisiana state average of 74. St. Joseph is a small community of 709 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in St. Joseph's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $746 (43% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $56,100 (82% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.7x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in St. Joseph is $33,864, which is 55% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to St. Joseph. The area sees an average annual temperature of 66.1°F, with summers averaging 82°F and winters around 50°F. Annual rainfall totals 53.4 inches spread over roughly 109 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

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.