B-
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
21%
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 Zachary Louisiana National
Cost of living10491100
Goods & Services10596100
Groceries9795100
Health care10099100
Housing12181100
Transportation9696100
Utilities7384100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Zachary, LA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Zachary is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Zachary is 104, which is 4% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Zachary 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.

Housing costs significantly influence the Zachary cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 21.2%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Zachary Affordable?

Wondering if Zachary is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Zachary, for example, the median home price is 22.5% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 18.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Zachary boasting a median household income of $89,712, which is 62.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Zachary?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Zachary, the groceries index is 3.1% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Zachary, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 4.45%, and income tax rates kick off at 1.85%.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Zachary comes in at 27.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Zachary cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Zachary is 15% higher than the Louisiana average
  • The cost of living in Zachary is 4% higher than the national average
  • Zachary housing is 21% 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 Zachary

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Compare Zachary, LA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      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$99,815$8,318$2,329$2,995
      Renters$42,188$3,516$984$1,266
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Zachary is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Zachary has a median income of about $99,815 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,329 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $42,188. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $984 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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 Zachary 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 Zachary 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 Zachary 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 Zachary National avg. Difference
      Home Price $226,300.00$184,700.0022.5%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,958.49$2,346.6916.5%
      Apartment Rent $1,121.00$949.0018.1%

      Transportation

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

      Utilities

      Item Zachary 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.
      Jackson, LA4,9418515.0%
      Baker, LA13,2339010.4%
      Merrydale, LA9,5239010.1%
      Erwinville, LA2,815937.5%
      Clinton, LA1,663945.7%
      Zachary, LA17,6991044.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lake Butler, FL17,70016463.5%
      Takoma Park, MD17,70315958.7%
      Wisconsin Rapids, WI17,6918119.3%
      Natchitoches, LA17,711927.6%
      Alton, TX17,6838019.8%
      Zachary, LA17,6991044.3%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.