Cost of Living in Alexandria, LA
Population 44,566 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $47,357, median household incomes in Alexandria land roughly 37% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Alexandria lies roughly 80 miles north of the nearest major metro, Lafayette. Median home values run roughly 27% lower than Lafayette's $251,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Alexandria
The median home value in Alexandria is $182,800 — 40% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $946/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,357/year is 37% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Louisiana's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. Overall, Alexandria has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Alexandria, LA?
Alexandria has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in Alexandria, LA?
The median gross rent in Alexandria is $946 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Alexandria?
The median home value in Alexandria is $182,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Alexandria?
The median household income in Alexandria is $47,357 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Alexandria, LA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Alexandria is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Alexandria, LA affordable?
Yes, Alexandria is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.
Alexandria at a Glance
- Population
- 44,566
- Median Income
- $47,357
- Home Value
- $182,800
- Median Rent
- $946/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Louisiana Rankings
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