Louisiana is known for being a state that is a blend of various backgrounds and traditions.
You’ll find everything here, from African to French to American, when it comes to different cultures, music, and food.
To top it off, Louisiana has some of the best rent prices in the country.
So, if you’re looking to relocate to Louisiana, this guide will provide you with a list of the most affordable cities in the state.
Contents
14 of the Cheapest Places to Live in Louisiana
1. DeRidder
DeRidder is one of the cheapest, if not the cheapest, places to live in Louisiana.
The average rental cost here for a one-bedroom is just $620.
DeRidder has a rich history, dating back to 1890, so you’ll surely find a lot of architecture here.
For example, the Gothic Jail, which is a mansion featuring bay windows and Tudor arches, is located in the city.
Also, the Beauregard Watermelon Festival occurs every spring, where residents can come enjoy watermelons that are locally grown.
2. Terrytown
Terrytown is located close to New Orleans.
Residents living here have seen a 3 percent increase in their rent in the past year.
Currently, the average rent paid for a one-bedroom is $765.
Both Bretchel Park and Lakewood Golf Club are conveniently located nearby.
They provide walking trails for those who enjoy nature.
In addition, Terryground Playground features a basketball court and other sports fields for the entire family to enjoy.
Terrytown also has antique shops and art galleries that are open to the entire community.
3. Westwego
Westwego’s residents pay an average of $720 to rent a one-bedroom apartment or home.
Rent costs have increased 9 percent since last year.
However, even with this sharp increase, Westwego is still relatively affordable for those looking to live in a quiet location.
Westwego has nearly 8,500 residents living in town.
There’s also plenty to do here.
Residents can bask in the sun at Bayou Segnette State Park or even rent a cabin for a couple of days.
4. Gretna
Located just five miles from New Orleans is Gretna, Louisiana.
The average rent paid in Gretna for a one-bedroom is $869.
The city offers plenty of things to do for the entire family.
For example, if you have children, they will enjoy the Heritage Square Playground.
In addition, the German-American Cultural Center has various exhibitions about the rich history of the state.
You can also take advantage of the Gretna Farmer’s Market, where you can shop for fresh produce grown by local farmers.
5. Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana, also made the list of the most affordable towns to live in.
The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom in Lafayette is $898.
Downtown Lafayette hosts festivals twice a year.
One of these is the French-Canadian music festival, which takes place every spring.
The ArtWalk is another festival that residents can enjoy.
If you love seafood, frogs and crawfish are offered on nearly every restaurant’s menu.
If you love art, the Hilliard Art Museum has some interesting work by residents and artists, with many collections that date back to the 1700s.
6. Alexandria
The average cost of a one-bedroom in Alexandria, Louisiana, is $899, making it yet another one of the most affordable places to live.
There are many things for residents to do and see here.
For instance, if you love animals, the Alexandria Zoological Park has a ton of them.
You can find almost everything, from anteaters to African lions.
Alexandria also has its very own museum, the Louisiana History Museum.
Here, you can find plenty of collections and memorabilia dating back to 1907.
7. Mandeville
The average rent for a one-bedroom home or apartment in Mandeville, LA, is $935.
For that very reason, it also made the list of the cheapest places to live in Louisiana.
Mandeville has many waterfront properties that can be found on Lake Pontchartrain.
There are also various trails and parks located near the water.
If you enjoy water sports or are interested in fishing, Fairview River State Park provides ample opportunity to do just that.
Mandeville sustained damage following Hurricane Katrina but was able to successfully rebuild its community by 2009.
8. West Monroe
The average price for a one-bedroom in West Monroe, LA, is $939.
This makes it yet another one of the most affordable places to live in Louisiana.
If you love flowers and plants, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to see them at the Bidenharn Museum & Gardens, thanks to the tropical weather in the city.
Besides plants, the Masure Museum of Art is located in the city and features various art exhibits.
There are also many other attractions located alongside the Ouachita River.
The cost of rent in West Monroe has increased by 30 percent in the past year.
However, rental units remain affordable for those looking to move here.
9. New Iberia
New Iberia, Louisiana, also made the list of the cheapest places to live in the state.
The average price paid for a one-bedroom in the city is $958.
There’s a lot to do and see around town.
For instance, the Tabasco Hot Sauce Factory is located in New Iberia and allows visitors to taste-test and tour the facility.
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is another wonderful place to visit in New Iberia as it features the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp and various trails for walking and hiking.
10. Metairie
Located just eight miles from New Orleans, LA is Metairie.
Not only is this one of the cheapest places in the state to live but it’s also known for having one of the largest Mardi Gras seasons every year.
Despite what you may think, Metairie is a family-friendly community.
The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in town is $960, which also increased from the previous year.
In Metairie, you’ll be able to check out Lafreniere Park, which is known as one of the largest in town.
Residents fund the park, and because of this, you’ll be able to enjoy a dog park, bird watching, and much more.
11. Shreveport
Shreveport is another affordable place to live in Louisiana.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment or home is $1,016.
In addition, the median household income for Shreveport is $40,809.
The city is located just 190 miles from Dallas, TX.
There are nearly 187,600 people who live in Shreveport.
There’s also a lot to do here for those interested in entertainment.
For example, Spring Street Historical Museum and Sci-Port Discovery Center are both located in Shreveport.
You can also check out Veterans Park, which is situated along the riverfront.
12. Lake Charles
Lake Charles, LA, is a great place to live for those looking for affordable living.
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom apartment in the area is $849.
The median household income is $44,785, and the median home cost is $216,650.
The nearest metro area is Beaumont, TX, which is just 60 miles away.
There are nearly 85,000 people who call Lake Charles home.
The city has a lot to offer residents living here.
For example, downtown Lake Charles enables residents to explore Millennium Park and Bord Du Lac Park.
North Beach is also located in Lake Charles and is a true beauty.
13. Bossier City
Bossier City, LA, made the list of the most affordable places to live in Louisiana.
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom home or apartment in the city is $1,080.
The average cost of a home here is $236,000, and the median household income is $44,785.
The nearest metropolis is Shreveport, located only two miles away.
In terms of attractions, there are several of them.
Residents can take advantage of the Red River National Wildlife Refuge in addition to downtown Bossier City, which has a lot to offer.
14. Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is last on the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in the state of Louisiana.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Baton Rouge is $1,014.
The average cost of a home is $231,329, and the median household income is $44,177.
The nearest metropolis is New Orleans, located just 85 miles away.
Nearly 228,000 people are living in Baton Rouge.
There’s also a lot to do and see in town.
The Louisiana State Capitol as well as Louisiana’s Old State Capitol building are conveniently located within blocks from one another.
The Louisiana Art & Science Museum and the Milford Wampold Memorial Park are also among the attractions located in Baton Rouge.
Louisiana Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Louisiana Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Louisiana have any government programs for affordable housing?
Louisiana does provide a government program for low-income families looking for affordable housing.
Every resident living in Louisiana who is eligible can take advantage of affordable, energy-efficient, and safe housing.
Assistance for this program is administered by the LHC.
What is the cost of living in Louisiana?
The cost of living in the state of Louisiana is 9% below the national average.
Housing costs are also 17% below the national average.
Utilities are 13% below the national average.
Overall, the cost of living is much lower than in the rest of the country, making this state a highly affordable place to live.
What are some of the most affordable neighborhoods in Louisiana?
If you’re looking for some of the most affordable neighborhoods in the state of Louisiana, here are a few to consider:
- Algiers
- Old Aurora
- French Quarter
- South Baton Rouge
- Central Business District
- Central City
- Oak Hills Place
