Cost of Living in Monroe, LA
Population 47,241 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Monroe run well below national norms — a median of $36,521 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $175,000). Around 39% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 100 miles east of Shreveport, Monroe is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Shreveport's $178,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Monroe
The median home value in Monroe is $174,800 — 43% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $823/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $36,521/year is 51% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.7%, 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, Monroe has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% 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 Monroe, LA?
Monroe has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Monroe, LA?
The median gross rent in Monroe is $823 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Monroe?
The median home value in Monroe is $174,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Monroe?
The median household income in Monroe is $36,521 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Monroe, LA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Monroe is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Monroe, LA affordable?
Yes, Monroe is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
Monroe at a Glance
- Population
- 47,241
- Median Income
- $36,521
- Home Value
- $174,800
- Median Rent
- $823/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.7%
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Louisiana Rankings
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