Cost of Living in Central, LA
Population 29,603 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Central cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $271,000, rents near $1,373 a month. An unemployment rate of 1.2% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Central sits roughly 10 miles northeast of Baton Rouge — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 21% higher than Baton Rouge's $225,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Central
The median home value in Central is $270,700 — 11% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,373/month, 4% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,091/year is 21% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.2%, below 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, Central has a cost of living index of 95 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 5% 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 Central, LA?
Central has a cost index of 95 (100 = national average). It is 5% below the national average.
What is average rent in Central, LA?
The median gross rent in Central is $1,373 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Central?
The median home value in Central is $270,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Central?
The median household income in Central is $90,091 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Central, LA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Central is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Central, LA affordable?
Central is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 95 (100 = US average).
Central at a Glance
- Population
- 29,603
- Median Income
- $90,091
- Home Value
- $270,700
- Median Rent
- $1,373/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.2%
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Louisiana Rankings
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