Cheapest Places to Live in Louisiana

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.

Tallulah Population: 6,722 16% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $74,600 Med. Rent: $603 Med. Household Inc.: $28,354

With a cost of living index that is 16% cheaper than the state average, Tallulah 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, Tallulah provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Bastrop Population: 10,060 15% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $82,300 Med. Rent: $567 Med. Household Inc.: $23,153

The second most affordable city in Louisiana is Bastrop and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 15% 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.

Ville Platte Population: 7,117 12% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $67,300 Med. Rent: $563 Med. Household Inc.: $20,147

Ville Platte lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Louisiana, with a cost of living that is 12% 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.

Franklin Population: 6,844 11% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $80,000 Med. Rent: $743 Med. Household Inc.: $39,194

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. Franklin offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 11% 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 .

Marksville Population: 5,376 9% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $99,300 Med. Rent: $540 Med. Household Inc.: $30,146

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Marksville 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.

Jennings Population: 9,874 8% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $94,400 Med. Rent: $630 Med. Household Inc.: $28,360

Jennings 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 8% 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.

Oakdale Population: 7,571 8% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $98,600 Med. Rent: $601 Med. Household Inc.: $31,103

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Oakdale 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.

West Monroe Population: 12,431 8% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $127,500 Med. Rent: $718 Med. Household Inc.: $35,528

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. West Monroe fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 8% cheaper than Louisiana.

Patterson Population: 5,844 8% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $105,800 Med. Rent: $748 Med. Household Inc.: $42,338

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. Patterson is one of the most affordable cities in Louisiana, and has a cost of living that is 8% cheaper than the state average.

Leesville Population: 5,773 7% cheaper than Louisiana average

Med. Home Value: $96,600 Med. Rent: $697 Med. Household Inc.: $36,250

With a cost of living that is 7% cheaper than Louisiana, Leesville 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	Tallulah	6,722	76	$74,600	$28,354
2	Bastrop	10,060	77	$82,300	$23,153
3	Ville Platte	7,117	80	$67,300	$20,147
4	Franklin	6,844	81	$80,000	$39,194
5	Marksville	5,376	83	$99,300	$30,146
6	Jennings	9,874	83	$94,400	$28,360
7	Oakdale	7,571	83	$98,600	$31,103
8	West Monroe	12,431	83	$127,500	$35,528
9	Patterson	5,844	84	$105,800	$42,338
10	Leesville	5,773	84	$96,600	$36,250
11	Abbeville	12,167	84	$95,700	$34,555
12	Eunice	9,754	84	$103,000	$37,411
13	Bogalusa	11,658	85	$115,900	$31,619
14	Gray	6,366	86	$87,200	$44,463
15	Jeanerette	5,321	86	$106,400	$42,616
16	Monroe	47,906	86	$150,000	$31,926
17	St. Martinville	5,844	86	$117,900	$30,530
18	Morgan City	10,963	86	$122,500	$40,247
19	Opelousas	16,687	86	$123,100	$32,666
20	Grambling	5,168	86	$155,300	$23,393
21	Reserve	8,506	86	$122,800	$45,988
22	Raceland	10,835	86	$131,300	$38,450
23	New Iberia	28,965	87	$116,200	$43,938
24	Rayne	8,062	88	$129,300	$35,616
25	Swartz	5,176	88	$158,900	$49,100
26	Donaldsonville	8,424	88	$143,500	$23,151
27	Carlyss	5,185	88	$106,000	$58,000
28	Minden	12,035	88	$112,300	$26,653
29	Larose	6,463	88	$130,000	$54,318
30	Bridge City	6,409	88	$97,800	$37,071
31	Ruston	21,987	88	$169,900	$32,295
32	Schriever	5,734	89	$134,400	$40,515
33	Galliano	7,514	89	$128,100	$55,565
34	Crowley	12,689	89	$144,200	$28,888
35	Scott	8,815	89	$129,200	$55,825
36	Breaux Bridge	8,213	89	$134,500	$41,556
37	Baker	13,233	90	$114,500	$64,455
38	Claiborne	11,904	90	$164,200	$70,170
39	Merrydale	9,523	90	$115,800	$37,728
40	Westwego	8,411	90	$125,500	$33,060
41	DeRidder	10,955	90	$147,600	$49,383
42	Sulphur	20,122	90	$140,900	$54,537
43	Pineville	14,179	90	$154,400	$50,188
44	Chackbay	5,108	91	$191,800	$57,738
45	St. Rose	6,770	91	$147,800	$47,675
46	Alexandria	46,545	91	$151,100	$41,845
47	Thibodaux	14,565	92	$167,500	$38,415
48	Bayou Blue	13,997	92	$147,800	$60,856
49	Lake Charles	77,832	92	$155,700	$44,785
50	Waggaman	10,917	92	$114,800	$45,793

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.