The Most Affordable Places To Live in Louisiana: 7 Cities Ranked
Whether you’re a native Louisianan, thinking about relocating to the Bayou State, or just curious, you might have wondered about the affordability of Louisiana. Known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and unique cuisine, Louisiana offers an enticing blend of Southern charm and modern amenities. But how affordable is it to live in this diverse state?
In 2022, Louisiana’s cost of living was determined to be the 13th least expensive in the United States. This ranking covers a wide variety of expenses, including goods, services and basic needs. However, in terms of housing affordability specifically, Louisiana comes in ninth most affordable of the 50 states.
For our list of most affordable cities in Louisiana, we’ve based our data on monthly housing costs listed in the 2022 U.S. Census. It factors in what both renters and homeowners pay, giving us a good representative sample. For this list, we’ll focus on the seven most populated cities in Louisiana — ranking them by affordability.
1. Shreveport
Population: 187,593
Total Housing Units: 89,863
Monthly housing costs: $946
Shreveport, located in the northwest region of Louisiana, tops our list as the most affordable city to live in the state. With a population of nearly 188,000, Shreveport is known for its vibrant cultural scene, casinos, and the Red River, which adds to the city’s scenic beauty. The city’s relatively low monthly housing cost makes it an attractive option for both renters and homeowners.
Shreveport offers a variety of housing options, from historic homes to modern apartments. The city’s economy is diverse, with major industries including healthcare, education, and gaming.
2. Lafayette
Population: 241,753
Total housing units: 58,634
Monthly housing costs: $985
Lafayette, located in the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole country, is the second most affordable city on our list. Known for its rich cultural heritage, lively music scene and delicious cuisine, the city’s average monthly housing cost comes in just under $1,000.
Lafayette offers a range of housing options, from charming bungalows to spacious family homes. The city’s economy is robust, with key industries including oil and gas, healthcare, and education.
3. Lake Charles
Population: 84,872
Total housing units: 38,434
Monthly housing costs: $1,013
Lake Charles, located in southwestern Louisiana, ranks third in affordability. With a population of nearly 85,000, Lake Charles is known for its casinos, golf courses and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.
While there are fewer housing units per capita than some cities on our list, Lake Charles offers a mix of real estate housing options. These include waterfront properties and suburban neighborhoods. The city’s economy is anchored by industries such as petrochemicals, gaming and tourism.
4. Baton Rouge
Population: 227,4710
Total housing units: 105,272
Monthly housing costs: $1,026
Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana, is the fourth most affordable city on our list. With a population of over 227,000, Baton Rouge is a bustling city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene.
Baton Rouge’s housing market is diverse, offering everything from historic homes in the downtown area to new developments in the suburbs. The Baton Rouge economy is diverse, with significant contributions from the petrochemical industry, education and healthcare.
5. Kenner
Population: 66,448
Total housing units: 27,706
Monthly housing costs: $946
Kenner, a suburb of New Orleans, ranks fifth in affordability. With a population of over 66,000, Kenner offers a suburban feel with easy access to the amenities of a major city.
Kenner’s housing market includes a variety of options, from affordable apartments to spacious family homes. The city’s economy benefits from its proximity to New Orleans, with major industries including tourism, retail and transportation.
6. Metairie
Population: 143,507
Total housing units: 67,299
Monthly housing costs: $1,173
Metairie, another suburb of New Orleans located in Jefferson Parish, is the sixth most affordable city on our list. Metairie offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to New Orleans’ vibrant cultural scene. The city’s average monthly housing cost is $1,173.
Metairie’s housing market is diverse, with options ranging from affordable apartments to luxury homes. The city’s economy is strong, with key industries including retail, healthcare and education.
7. New Orleans
Population: 383,997
Total housing units: 193,840
Monthly housing costs: $1,205
New Orleans, the largest city in Louisiana, is the seventh most affordable city on our list. With a population of nearly 384,000, New Orleans is famous for its vibrant music scene, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
New Orleans’ housing market offers options ranging from historic homes in the French Quarter to modern apartments in the downtown area. The city’s economy is diverse, with major industries including tourism, healthcare and education. Despite having the highest housing costs on our list, New Orleans offers a relatively low cost of living in other areas, such as groceries and transportation, making it an attractive place to live.
The bottom line
Louisiana offers a variety of affordable living options, each with its unique charm and amenities. From the bustling city life of New Orleans and Baton Rouge to the serene waterfront views of Lake Charles, there’s a place for a wide variety of lifestyles in the Bayou State. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant cultural scene or affordable housing options and a low cost of living, Louisiana’s top cities roll out the welcome mat with some of the most affordable places in the South.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, investment or tax advice. Any information within is as of the date published, and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Neighborhood Trust or any of its affiliates. This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. We do not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate nor that it is completely free of errors when published.
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