Cheapest Places to Live in Louisiana

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

Louisiana, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse landscapes, offers a unique and affordable living experience. Landmarks such as the French Quarter in New Orleans, the USS Kidd in Baton Rouge, and the Tabasco Factory on Avery Island highlight its cultural heritage. The state's economy is largely driven by sectors such as energy, agriculture, and tourism. Louisiana's tax structure includes moderate income and property taxes, which contribute to its overall affordability. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, Louisiana remains one of the more affordable states in the southern region, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and manageable living costs makes Louisiana an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in Louisiana can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in Louisiana include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its cultural richness and economic opportunities, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

Franklin Population: 7,085 12% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $140,636 Med. Rent: $1,116 Med. Household Inc.: $59,167

With a cost of living index that is 12% cheaper than the state average, Franklin is the cheapest place to live in Louisiana. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Franklin provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Ville Platte Population: 7,340 12% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $124,346 Med. Rent: $844 Med. Household Inc.: $30,245

The second most affordable city in Louisiana is Ville Platte and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 12% cheaper than the Louisiana average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Jackson Population: 5,061 10% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $169,598 Med. Rent: $977 Med. Household Inc.: $40,409

Jackson lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Louisiana, with a cost of living that is 10% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Jennings Population: 10,220 10% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $168,876 Med. Rent: $934 Med. Household Inc.: $42,153

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Jennings offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 10% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Tallulah Population: 6,896 9% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $132,183 Med. Rent: $927 Med. Household Inc.: $42,437

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Tallulah is ideal, with a cost of living that is 9% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the Louisiana average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Patterson Population: 6,001 9% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $190,352 Med. Rent: $1,122 Med. Household Inc.: $63,865

Patterson comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in Louisiana and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 9% cheaper than Louisiana. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Bastrop Population: 10,329 8% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $146,273 Med. Rent: $872 Med. Household Inc.: $34,173

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Bastrop is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Bogalusa Population: 12,080 7% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $205,300 Med. Rent: $988 Med. Household Inc.: $46,486

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Bogalusa fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 7% cheaper than Louisiana.

Gray Population: 6,538 7% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $160,445 Med. Rent: $1,427 Med. Household Inc.: $65,938

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Gray is one of the most affordable cities in Louisiana, and has a cost of living that is 7% cheaper than the state average.

Abbeville Population: 12,525 7% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $168,849 Med. Rent: $1,038 Med. Household Inc.: $51,371

With a cost of living that is 7% cheaper than Louisiana, Abbeville comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in Louisiana. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in Louisiana

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	Franklin	7,085	81	$140,636	$59,167
2	Ville Platte	7,340	81	$124,346	$30,245
3	Jackson	5,061	83	$169,598	$40,409
4	Jennings	10,220	83	$168,876	$42,153
5	Tallulah	6,896	84	$132,183	$42,437
6	Patterson	6,001	84	$190,352	$63,865
7	Bastrop	10,329	84	$146,273	$34,173
8	Bogalusa	12,080	85	$205,300	$46,486
9	Gray	6,538	85	$160,445	$65,938
10	Abbeville	12,525	85	$168,849	$51,371
11	Raceland	11,083	86	$237,824	$58,203
12	Eunice	10,106	86	$190,450	$56,674
13	Morgan City	11,332	86	$220,209	$60,117
14	Reserve	8,721	87	$220,104	$68,024
15	Marksville	5,575	87	$174,765	$44,965
16	Larose	6,618	87	$229,435	$82,262
17	Jeanerette	5,494	87	$188,517	$64,724
18	Baker	13,684	87	$203,594	$94,116
19	Minden	12,391	87	$202,559	$40,304
20	St. Martinville	5,982	87	$213,520	$45,746
21	Oakdale	7,762	88	$181,783	$47,046
22	Carlyss	5,379	88	$193,501	$86,555
23	Leesville	5,980	88	$169,322	$53,312
24	Galliano	7,788	88	$226,932	$82,594
25	Donaldsonville	8,605	88	$255,063	$34,337
26	Merrydale	9,799	88	$208,468	$55,796
27	Opelousas	17,032	88	$225,575	$49,556
28	Bridge City	6,575	89	$180,657	$55,440
29	New Iberia	29,560	89	$210,014	$64,812
30	Rayne	8,227	89	$236,418	$52,447
31	Schriever	5,956	90	$246,793	$60,508
32	Westwego	8,662	90	$220,250	$48,729
33	Sulphur	20,888	90	$252,624	$80,761
34	Breaux Bridge	8,464	91	$236,174	$61,922
35	DeRidder	11,341	91	$269,351	$74,765
36	Bayou Blue	14,519	91	$265,683	$90,682
37	Port Allen	5,018	91	$256,120	$81,154
38	Crowley	13,176	91	$264,364	$42,374
39	West Monroe	12,888	91	$225,844	$53,757
40	Scott	9,146	91	$238,161	$82,180
41	Chackbay	5,302	91	$341,636	$84,806
42	St. Rose	6,945	91	$258,871	$70,302
43	Lake Charles	79,542	92	$278,859	$67,101
44	Houma	33,829	92	$291,827	$67,531
45	Thibodaux	14,873	92	$301,746	$56,886
46	Waggaman	11,136	92	$209,752	$69,035
47	Plaquemine	6,773	93	$287,559	$76,144
48	Shreveport	197,125	93	$276,860	$60,442
49	Cut Off	5,501	93	$304,762	$98,706
50	Denham Springs	10,174	93	$309,099	$102,467

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Louisiana, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.