If you’re looking for a new place to call home in Louisiana, you’ll want to find an affordable city that doesn’t skimp on amenities or opportunities. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a growing family, finding a city with a reasonable cost of living is an essential part of living the good life.
Louisiana has plenty of affordable cities, each with their own cultures, employers, and activities to enjoy. Let’s explore the cheapest places to live in Louisiana and a few of the things that make them such great places to call home.
1. Lake Charles
Average rent: $980
Lake Charles tops our list as the most affordable city in Louisiana. With an average rent of $980, living here won’t break the bank. Studio apartments start at $772, and one-bedroom units average $998. Even a two-bedroom apartment is just $1,170.
Lake Charles is home to a few major employers like the Calcasieu Parish School System and Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, providing a range of jobs to the community. Residents love the ability to easily enjoy free concerts at the Lake Charles Civic Center or stroll through the Creole Nature Trail.
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2. Baton Rouge
Average rent: $1,038
Baton Rouge, the state capital, has an average rent of $1,038. Studio apartments in Baton Rouge are priced at $848, while one-bedroom units cost about $1,069. Two-bedroom apartments are available for $1,198.
A couple of the most significant employers in Baton Rouge are Louisiana State University and ExxonMobil, providing plenty of jobs and one of the best college town atmospheres in Louisiana. For a little R and R, the city has more than a few free attractions like the Louisiana State Capitol and the beautiful grounds of the LSU Rural Life Museum. The Baton Rouge Zoo, though requiring a small admission fee, is another popular spot for families.
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3. Shreveport
Average rent: $1,052
Shreveport has an average rent of $1,052. A studio apartment in Shreveport rents for around $772, while a one-bedroom apartment costs about $1,042. Two-bedroom units are available for $1,342.
Shreveport is a hub for healthcare, with Willis-Knighton Health System and LSU Health Shreveport as two of the largest employers in the area. The city also has a strong presence in the gaming industry with several casinos. For affordable fun, visit the Shreveport Water Works Museum or take a walk in the beautiful Gardens of the American Rose Center, both with no entry fee.
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4. Lafayette
Average rent: $1,143
Lafayette’s average rent is $1,143. Studio apartments are the most affordable at $695, while one-bedroom apartments cost about $1,221. Two-bedroom units are available for $1,513. Lafayette’s cost of living is balanced with affordable utilities and groceries.
A few of the largest employers in Lafayette include Lafayette General Medical Center, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and several oil and gas companies. The city supports plenty of free and inexpensive activities, like touring the Lafayette Science Museum or enjoying a day at peaceful Girard Park.
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5. Bossier City
Average rent: $1,223
Bossier City has an average rent of $1,223. Studio apartments are pricier here, but one-bedroom apartments are more affordable at $982. Two-bedroom units cost about $1,279. Overall, Bossier City’s cost of living is lower than many other parts of Louisiana.
Bossier City’s economy is bolstered by sizable employers like Barksdale Air Force Base and Horseshoe Bossier City Hotel & Casino. Outdoorsy types frequent Red River National Wildlife Refuge for its stunning scenery and calming atmosphere.
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Methodology
All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have an average rent price under the median rent price for the state – which is $1,304 per month according to Redfin data. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2024.
