Thibodaux is a census-designated place in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, with a population of 14,515. It is a vibrant community that attracts residents with its affordable cost of living, its location in the heart of Acadiana, and unique history.
If you’re considering moving to Thibodaux, 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 Thibodaux, such as housing, food, child care, healthcare and taxes. This will help you make an informed decision on whether or not Thibodaux is right for you and your family.
Housing
The cost of housing is a significant factor in determining the cost of living. In Thibodaux, the median home value is $152,500, which is lower than the national median home value of $204,900.
Renting is also an affordable option for housing. In Thibodaux, 48.80% of occupied homes are rented, surpassing the national renter rate of 36.2%. The average rental price in Thibodaux is $762 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 Thibodaux, the median household income is $34,375, which is 4.4 times the median home value.
Thibodaux offers an affordable housing market, featuring some excellent subdivisions. If you’re looking to purchase property, an experienced Thibodaux Realtor can help you find the perfect home.
Healthcare
In Thibodaux, 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 Thibodaux, 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.
Transportation
Transportation is another critical factor affecting the cost of living. In Thibodaux, the majority of commuters, or 90.30%, drive to work, a higher percentage than the national average of 85.5%.
Additionally, an estimated 58.80% of workers commute to jobs located outside of Thibodaux. 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 Thibodaux is about 25 minutes. This is slightly shorter 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 Thibodaux spends $10,464 annually on transportation, which is just above the national average.
Childcare
For families with children, child care expenses can add up significantly to the overall annual spending. In Thibodaux, the average annual cost of childcare for two children is $8,997. This is approximately $100 less 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.
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 Thibodaux, the average cost of food per year for a single adult is $3,038, while a family of four spends an average of $8,773. 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. Thibodaux is also home to some fantastic Cajun cuisine that could lead to an increase in these numbers if you dine out often.
Taxes
The average annual tax burden for working adults in Thibodaux, Louisiana, including state and federal income taxes, Social Security contributions, and Medicare payroll taxes, is $5,762, 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, Thibodaux 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 Thibodaux, LA, is extremely reasonable when compared to the national average. With lower costs for housing and food offsetting higher costs for healthcare and transportation, Thibodaux offers affordable living for individuals and families.
If you’re ready to find your perfect Thibodaux home, contact us today!