Cost of Living in Monroe, LA 2026

-6% | Lower Than National Avg.
11% | Lower Than State Avg.
Monroe's 2026 cost of living is $2321 per month for singles and $5111 per month for families of four. Living costs in Monroe are 6% lower than the U.S. national average and 11% lower than Louisiana's state average. This reflects a 1% increase from 2025. The primary drivers of Monroe's cost of living are soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices. See how Monroe's cost of living affects your budget or salary needs with Salary.com's free Cost of Living Calculator.

Cost of Living Calculator


How does Monroe's cost of living compare to the national average in 2026?

Living in Monroe is less expensive than the national average, with housing costs 31.1 % lower at $827 per month for a single person and $1516 per month for a family of four. Food expenses run 18.4 % below average at $326 monthly for an individual and $1061 for a family, while energy, transportation and healthcare costs are 30.4 % lower at about $609 per month for one person and $1349 for a household. These costs bring the total monthly expenses to $1762 for a single person and $3926 for a family of four, making Monroe one of America's least expensive cities.
Expense Category Average Monthly Expense Single Person Average Monthly Expense Family of Four Monroe compare to: U.S. Average
Housing
Housing
827 1516
-31.1%
Food
Food
326 1061
-18.4%
Energy
Energy
141 242
-19.2%
Transportation
Transportation
261 555
-34.7%
Healthcare
Healthcare
207 552
-31.0%

How does the cost of living compare when moving from other major cities to Monroe?

Monroe's 2025 cost of living is 102% lower than San Francisco, 53% less than Washington, 25% below Miami , 20% lower than Chicago, 63% less than Boston , and 87% below New York. Essential for evaluating relocation costs and salary needs in Monroe.
Move From Move To Cost of Living Comparison
San Francisco, CA Monroe
-102.0%
Washington, DC Monroe
-53.0%
Miami, FL Monroe
-25.0%
Chicago, IL Monroe
-20.0%
Boston, MA Monroe
-63.0%
New York, NY Monroe
-87.0%
Dallas, TX Monroe
-14.0%

About Monroe, LA

Monroe (historically French: Poste-du-Ouachita) is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is the parish seat of Ouachita Parish. In the official 2010 census, Monroe had a population of 48,815. The municipal population declined by 8.1 percent over the past decade; it was 53,107 in the 2000 census. After a recheck in 2012, the Census Bureau changed the 2010 population from 48,815 to 49,147. Mayor Jamie Mayo, however, maintains that the Monroe population is more than 50,000 and indicated that he will pursue a continued challenge to the count. Monroe is the principal city of t...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the cost of living in Monroe, LA

Will the cost of food in Monroe, Louisiana impact the overall cost of living there?

Yes, cost of food is important as we all have to eat! There are ways to save money on your food expenses if you plan carefully. Check out stores like Tesco or Target to buy items in bulk at a considerable savings. At different times of the year you can get local produce for low prices at roadside stands or farmer’s markets. There are lots of ways to reduce food expenses and lower your overall cost of living in Monroe, LA. ( 2026-07-27 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Monroe, LA?

Monroe, LA does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. ( 2026-07-27 salary.com )

How much is the average price of internet in Monroe, LA?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2026-07-27 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

The average cost of moving to another state is around $5,600 for a distance of 1,200 miles. This price can vary a lot if the distance is greater and depending on how much is being moved. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. A cost that typically occurs is that your existing furniture and accessories are either too large, too small, or not appropriate for your new home. You may find that after you move, you will need to purchase many new items for the new location, for example, window coverings, rugs, lighting, and outdoor gear. Make sure you budget for these types of expenses and include them in the first year’s cost of living at your new location. Finally, although there is no dollar cost, is the stress of moving, which will increase if you have children or pets. Make sure you prepare in advance for what additional TLC those kids and pets will need to have a good move. ( 2026-07-27 salary.com )

I am moving with children, what should I do to make the move less stressful for them and myself?

Make sure your child has a favorite toy, doll, game, clothing, blanket, snacks, etc. to take with them during the transition. Once you arrive, let your child help with arranging and decorating their new room. You may be tempted to unpack everything when you arrive, but make sure you take a break from unpacking to spend time playing and relaxing with your child. Plan on packing a special bag to take with you with those items that you will need first. Towels, soap, a few basic kitchen utensils and food items like crackers, tea, juice, will make your new location functional as soon as you arrive and fell more like home. A small new toy, book, or video that you give to your child when you arrive might help them to feel happy and relaxed in the new location. ( 2026-07-27 salary.com )

My kids are important, how much of my cost of living should I estimate I will need to spend on child care in Monroe, LA?

It is difficult to exactly predict the cost of child care in any city, which for parents, is a large part of the cost of living. There are different arrangements and lengths of time that are needed to care for a child, and costs may vary a lot depending on the services provided. Based on the state average, for Monroe child care for a child up to 3 years could cost $5747 per year. Louisiana, is ranked NO. 47 in annual cost of child care in the U.S. ( 2026-07-27 salary.com )

What are rents like in Monroe,LA?

I am single and live in Monroe,LA, I rent a small studio and the monthly rent is $800 . Rent contributes to a large part of the overall cost of living in Monroe,LA, I try to economize by having a small apartment. ( 2026-07-27 salary.com )

I need to keep my cost of living under control, is there a lot to do in Monroe, Louisiana that is not very expensive?

Looks for areas of Monroe, Louisiana where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Monroe, LA to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2026-07-27 salary.com )

Cost of living in Monroe, Louisiana is important, but what about the weather?

The weather in Monroe is ideal. Based on data collected by NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Monroe is considered to have one of the most favorable climates in the country based on comfort and number of days with clear skies. You will enjoy living in Monroe, Louisiana. ( 2026-07-27 salary.com )

Can you save money using public transport?

You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. ( 2026-07-27 salary.com )


Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2026-07-27 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2026-07-27 salary.com )
The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2026-07-27 salary.com )

See how much you can get when it is an hourly pay

Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.

See how much you can get when it is a yearly pay

Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
Last Update: 2026-07-27