Oak tree at Chalmette Battlefield

The Cost of Living in Chalmette, LA

Chalmette is a census-designated place in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, with a population of 23,602. It is a vibrant community that attracts residents with its affordable cost of living, proximity to New Orleans, and unique history. 

If you’re considering moving to Chalmette, it’s important to understand the cost of living and how it compares to the rest of the state and country. Here, we’ll take a look at the cost of essential needs in Chalmette, such as housing, food, child care, healthcare and taxes. This will help you make an informed decision on whether or not Chalmette is right for you and your family. 

Housing

The cost of housing is a significant factor in determining the cost of living. In Chalmette, the median home value is $144,800, which is lower than the national median home value of $204,900. 

Renting is also an affordable option for housing. In Chalmette, 44.40% of occupied homes are rented, surpassing the national renter rate of 36.2%. The average rental price in Chalmette is $937 per month, which is lower than the national median monthly rent of $1,023.

Besides home value, the income level in an area is also a crucial determinant of housing affordability. The national median household income is $60,293, and the price of a typical home in the US is 3.4 times that amount. Housing affordability ratios can vary widely from approximately 1.0 in the least expensive cities to more than 10.0 in the most expensive markets. 

In Chalmette, the median household income is $43,520, which is 3.3 times the median home value.

Chalmette offers an affordable housing market, making it an attractive option for those looking for an affordable place to live. If you’re looking to purchase property, an experienced Chalmette Realtor can help you find the perfect home. 

Transportation

Transportation is another critical factor affecting the cost of living. In Chalmette, the majority of commuters, or 94.80%, drive to work, a higher percentage than the national average of 85.5%. 

Additionally, an estimated 67.20% of workers commute to jobs located outside of Chalmette. This is a larger percentage than the national average of 43.7% of commuters who work in a different city from where they live. 

The average commute time in Chalmette is about 28 minutes. This is slightly longer than the national average of just under 27 minutes.

Taking into consideration the cost of gas, public transit, and car maintenance, it is estimated that a single person in Chalmette spends $9,750 annually on transportation, which is just below the national average. 

Healthcare worker with hands in the shape of a heart

Healthcare

In Chalmette, out-of-pocket healthcare costs and insurance premiums are higher than the national average. However, they are consistent with the costs across the state of Louisiana.

For a single adult residing in Chalmette, the average healthcare costs amount to $4,825 annually. This makes it slightly higher than the average of $4,707 across Louisiana and the national average of $4,266. These figures assume that the individual has at least a basic level of health insurance coverage.

Childcare

For families with children, child care expenses can add up significantly to the overall annual spending. In Chalmette, the average annual cost of childcare for two children is $9,599. This is approximately $500 more than the average of $9,099 across the state of Louisiana. 

In comparison, child care expenses for two children across the entire United States average at $15,853 per year. So while childcare costs are more in comparison to the average across the state, they are significantly lower than the national average.

Person examining grocery receipt

Food 

Another expense that can have a major impact on the overall cost of living is food. The cost of food can vary significantly across different cities and towns.

In Chalmette, the average cost of food per year for a single adult is $3,280, while a family of four spends an average of $9,471. By comparison, the average annual food expenditure for a single adult in Louisiana is $3,119, and $3,240 in the U.S. A family of four spends $9,006 in Louisiana and $9,354 in the U.S. 

These estimates are based on grocery costs for at-home meal preparation. Chalmette is also home to several great restaurants that could lead to an increase in these numbers if you dine out often.

Taxes

The average annual tax burden for working adults in Chalmette, Louisiana, including state and federal income taxes, Social Security contributions, and Medicare payroll taxes, is $5,966, which is similar to the statewide average of $5,772. 

However, it’s important to note that these calculations exclude other common taxes like property, sales, and excise taxes. When factoring in these taxes, but excluding federal taxes, Chalmette residents benefit from living in a state with a relatively low average tax burden. 

Per capita state tax collections in Louisiana amount to $2,437 per year, which is lower than the average of $3,151 across all states.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Chalmette, LA, is extremely reasonable when compared to the national average. With lower costs for housing and transportation offsetting higher costs for healthcare and childcare, Chalmette offers affordable living for individuals and families.