A-
0%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
6%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Gardere Louisiana National
Cost of living10091100
Goods & Services10596100
Groceries9795100
Health care10099100
Housing10681100
Transportation9696100
Utilities7384100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Gardere, LA

Understanding the cost of living in Gardere can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Gardere cost of living index is 100, which is 0% equal to the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Gardere is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Gardere Affordable?

Is Gardere affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Gardere, the median home price is 9.7% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 3% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Gardere boasting a median household income of $43,584, 21.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Gardere?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Gardere, healthcare costs are 0.1% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Gardere, the general sales tax rate starts at 4.45%, and income tax rates begin at 1.85%.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Gardere, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Gardere is 10% higher than the Louisiana average
  • The cost of living in Gardere is equal to the national average
  • Gardere housing is 6% higher than the national average
  • Louisiana general sales tax is 13% lower than the national average
  • Louisiana state income tax is 29% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Gardere

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Compare Gardere, LA Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$73,295$6,108$1,710$2,199
      Renters$36,858$3,072$860$1,106
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Gardere, LA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Gardere homeowners, is $73,295. This would allow for a maximum of $1,710 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $36,858 which would result in a maximum of $860 to be spent on rental costs.

      Louisiana Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Louisiana 4.45% 11.45%

      Louisiana Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Louisiana 1.85% 4.25%

      Goods & Services

      Item Gardere National avg. Difference
      Haircut $25.61$24.265.6%
      Beauty Salon $43.33$45.564.9%
      Toothpaste $3.63$3.702.0%
      Shampoo $1.17$1.288.9%
      Movie $11.59$12.134.5%
      Bowling $20.00$18.0011.1%

      Groceries

      Item Gardere National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.45$5.846.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.67$1.576.2%
      Milk $4.56$4.672.4%
      Potatoes $5.20$4.935.4%
      Pizza $10.99$12.099.1%
      Beer $10.03$10.413.7%

      Health Care

      Item Gardere National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $114.13$125.689.2%
      Doctor $130.33$135.784.0%
      Dentist $114.58$113.291.1%
      Ibuprofen $10.22$10.654.1%
      Lipitor $527.50$468.6012.6%

      Housing

      Item Gardere National avg. Difference
      Home Price $202,600.00$184,700.009.7%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,958.49$2,346.6916.5%
      Apartment Rent $921.00$949.003.0%

      Transportation

      Item Gardere National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.20$3.467.5%
      Tire Balancing $61.61$59.922.8%

      Utilities

      Item Gardere National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $111.88$193.9942.3%
      Phone $185.70$192.253.4%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bayou Goula, LA370973.0%
      Crescent, LA875973.0%
      White Castle, LA2,2608317.3%
      Merrydale, LA9,5239010.1%
      Port Allen, LA4,883937.4%
      Gardere, LA10,6291000.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Roscoe, IL10,632964.1%
      East Liverpool, OH10,6328416.2%
      Petal, MS10,624909.6%
      Lansdowne, PA10,6371011.1%
      Timonium, MD10,64213030.4%
      Gardere, LA10,6291000.3%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.