Cost of Living in Westwego, LA

Population 8,382 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023

64
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Westwego sits on the smaller end of the Louisiana city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. A poverty rate near 22% 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.

Geographically, Westwego sits roughly 7 miles south of Metairie. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Metairie's $309,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 55
Rent 77

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

About the Cost of Living in Westwego

The median home value in Westwego is $168,600 — 45% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,013/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,291/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, below 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, Westwego has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$168,600
45% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$179,051
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,013/mo
23% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.9x
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
$1,013
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,627/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
23.8 min
12% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.6%
Carpooled
10.0%
Public transit
2.4%
Walked
1.0%
Work from home
5.0%

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
$49,291
34% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,283
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
36% below avg
Poverty Rate
21.6%
Labor Force Participation
51.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.7%
Graduate degree 5.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 47.4
Male median age 40
Female median age 49.5

🌤 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 Westwego, LA?

Westwego has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.

What is average rent in Westwego, LA?

The median gross rent in Westwego is $1,013 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Westwego?

The median home value in Westwego is $168,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Westwego?

The median household income in Westwego is $49,291 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Westwego, LA?

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

Is Westwego, LA affordable?

Yes, Westwego is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Westwego?

Westwego 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.

Westwego at a Glance

Population
8,382
Median Income
$49,291
Home Value
$168,600
Median Rent
$1,013/mo
Unemployment
3.1%
Avg High Temp
80.7°F
Sales Tax
9.5%
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