Cost of Living in West Monroe, LA
Population 12,837 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in West Monroe run well below national norms — a median of $46,663 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $174,000). A poverty rate near 27% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Located 95 miles east of Shreveport, West 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 West Monroe
The median home value in West Monroe is $174,400 — 43% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $815/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,663/year is 37% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.4%, 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, West 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in West Monroe, LA?
West Monroe has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in West Monroe, LA?
The median gross rent in West Monroe is $815 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in West Monroe?
The median home value in West Monroe is $174,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in West Monroe?
The median household income in West Monroe is $46,663 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in West Monroe, LA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Monroe is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is West Monroe, LA affordable?
Yes, West Monroe is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
West Monroe at a Glance
- Population
- 12,837
- Median Income
- $46,663
- Home Value
- $174,400
- Median Rent
- $815/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.4%
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Louisiana Rankings
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