Louisiana · Population 29,603 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Central
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Central offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 92 (where 100 equals the national median), Central residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,373/month while earning a median household income of $90,091/year.
The median home value in Central, LA is $270,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,328 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
Louisiana has a moderate income tax rate of 4.25%. Combined with a 4.45% sales tax rate and 0.55% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Central.
Common questions about living costs in Central