Cost of Living in Gretna, LA

Population 17,468 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023

79
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Gretna run well below national norms — a median of $46,045 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs and rents do not fully compensate for the earnings difference. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Gretna sits roughly 10 miles southeast of Metairie. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Metairie's $309,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 80
Rent 77

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Gretna

The median home value in Gretna is $242,600 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,017/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,045/year is 38% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 80.7°F and lows of 62.9°F. Overall, Gretna has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$242,600
20% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$237,861
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,017/mo
23% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,452/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$731
1 BR
$816
2 BR
$988
3 BR
$1,280
4 BR
$1,513
Owner-occupied 48.6%
Renter-occupied 51.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,017
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,631/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
26.7 min
1% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.4%
Carpooled
13.6%
Public transit
1.4%
Walked
1.1%
Bicycle
1.6%
Work from home
7.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 4.3%
Total Sales Tax 9.5%
State rate 4.5%
Avg local rate 5.1%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$46,045
38% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,250
Unemployment Rate
6.9%
44% above avg
Poverty Rate
25.0%
Labor Force Participation
58.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.9%
Graduate degree 11.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.3
Male median age 36.9
Female median age 37.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
80.7°F
Avg Low
62.9°F
Annual Precip
64.6"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 646875818893949490837366
Low °F 475156626975777774655549
Precip" 4.954.144.604.995.397.378.776.805.723.583.784.51

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 51 — Moderate
49.7%
Good air days/yr
126
Max AQI recorded
215
PM2.5 days
147
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Gretna, LA?

Gretna has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.

What is average rent in Gretna, LA?

The median gross rent in Gretna is $1,017 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Gretna?

The median home value in Gretna is $242,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Gretna?

The median household income in Gretna is $46,045 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Gretna, LA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gretna is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.

Is Gretna, LA affordable?

Yes, Gretna is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Gretna?

Gretna has average high temperatures of 80.7°F and average lows of 62.9°F. Annual precipitation is 64.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Gretna at a Glance

Population
17,468
Median Income
$46,045
Home Value
$242,600
Median Rent
$1,017/mo
Unemployment
6.9%
Avg High Temp
80.7°F
Sales Tax
9.5%
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