Cost of Living in Opelousas, LA
Population 15,662 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $36,260, median household incomes in Opelousas land roughly 51% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 10.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 20 miles north of Lafayette, Opelousas falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 55% lower than Lafayette's $251,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Opelousas
The median home value in Opelousas is $113,000 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $734/month, 44% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $36,260/year is 51% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.3%, 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, Opelousas has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Opelousas, LA?
Opelousas has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.
What is average rent in Opelousas, LA?
The median gross rent in Opelousas is $734 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Opelousas?
The median home value in Opelousas is $113,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Opelousas?
The median household income in Opelousas is $36,260 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Opelousas, LA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Opelousas is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Opelousas, LA affordable?
Yes, Opelousas is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.
Opelousas at a Glance
- Population
- 15,662
- Median Income
- $36,260
- Home Value
- $113,000
- Median Rent
- $734/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.3%
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Louisiana Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs