Opelousas, LA

Very Low · 45

Louisiana · Population 15,662 · Updated March 2026

$734
Median Rent / Month
$36,260
Median Income
$113,000
Median Home Value
$671
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Opelousas

24.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Louisiana

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.25%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.45%
Sales Tax
0.55%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$8,808
Annual Rent
$1,541
State Income Tax
$622
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Opelousas is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 45 (where 100 equals the national median), Opelousas residents can expect to pay median rent of $734/month while earning a median household income of $36,260/year.

The median home value in Opelousas, LA is $113,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $671 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 24.3% 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 Opelousas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Opelousas

What is the cost of living in Opelousas, LA?
The cost of living index in Opelousas, LA is 45 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $734, median household income is $36,260/year, and the median home value is $113,000.
Is Opelousas, LA affordable?
Yes, Opelousas is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 45. The rent-to-income ratio is 24.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Opelousas, LA?
The median gross rent in Opelousas, LA is $734 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $8,808.
What is the median household income in Opelousas?
The median household income in Opelousas, LA is $36,260 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Louisiana?
Louisiana has a top income tax rate of 4.25%, a sales tax of 4.45%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.55%.