Cost of Living in Oakdale, LA

Population 6,614 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023

44
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $45,038, median household incomes in Oakdale land roughly 40% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 16.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 55 miles northwest of Lafayette, Oakdale is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 58% lower than Lafayette's $251,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 35
Rent 58

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

About the Cost of Living in Oakdale

The median home value in Oakdale is $106,800 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $766/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,038/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 16.6%, 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 78.5°F and lows of 56.6°F. Overall, Oakdale has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$106,800
65% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$101,197
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$766/mo
42% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.6x
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 71.0%
Renter-occupied 29.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$766
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,380/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
23.0 min
15% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
82.1%
Carpooled
6.2%
Walked
0.7%
Work from home
10.4%

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
$45,038
40% below avg
Per Capita Income
$22,486
Unemployment Rate
16.6%
244% above avg
Poverty Rate
24.1%
Labor Force Participation
37.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 6.0%
Graduate degree 3.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.7
Male median age 42.7
Female median age 42.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
78.5°F
Avg Low
56.6°F
Annual Precip
58.8"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 626572798691939389817062
Low °F 404349566471737267574741
Precip" 5.624.915.285.324.735.334.613.804.254.924.795.28

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Oakdale, LA?

Oakdale has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.

What is average rent in Oakdale, LA?

The median gross rent in Oakdale is $766 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Oakdale?

The median home value in Oakdale is $106,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Oakdale?

The median household income in Oakdale is $45,038 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Oakdale, LA?

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

Is Oakdale, LA affordable?

Yes, Oakdale is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Oakdale?

Oakdale has average high temperatures of 78.5°F and average lows of 56.6°F. Annual precipitation is 58.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Oakdale at a Glance

Population
6,614
Median Income
$45,038
Home Value
$106,800
Median Rent
$766/mo
Unemployment
16.6%
Avg High Temp
78.5°F
Sales Tax
9.5%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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