Low unemployment rate, affordable living, and excellent healthcare have motivated about 45% of people to move to Louisiana. But it’s not that easy for everyone. With a median home price of 205K, Louisiana can be expensive.
Should that stop you from moving to the Bayou State? Absolutely NOT!
Cities like Bastrop and Bogalusa offer several budget-friendly options. While Bastrop offers a cost of living 24.6% lower than the national average, the median home price in Bogalusa is $90K.
Whether you’re a retiree or a young professional looking for exciting opportunities, Louisiana has affordable housing for everyone. Let’s explore some of the cheapest places to live in Louisiana!
4 Reasons to live in Louisiana 🏙️
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in Louisiana is ~$205K but you can get houses between $82K and $149K in cities like Bastrop, Bogalusa, and Minden.
- Tax Exemptions: Louisiana state provides tax exemptions at state level on groceries, prescription drugs and feminine hygiene products.
- Affordable Utilities: Monthly utilities in cities that are listed below is up to 13% lower than the national average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than the state average and national average. You can save up to $521 per month in rent.
Cheapest Places to Live in Louisiana in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bastrop | $23,955 | $82,498 | 9,879 | 8.3% | 44% |
| Bogalusa | $39,168 | $90,358 | 45,794 | 6.8% | 24.7% |
| Jeanerette | $46,125 | $85,618 | 4,892 | 8.4% | 23.5% |
| Franklin | $33,390 | $98,982 | 6,811 | 4.6% | 22.5% |
| Jennings | $37,301 | $126,148 | 9,836 | 5.5% | 19.9% |
| Eunice | $35,982 | $119,454 | 9,589 | 4.3% | 33.8% |
| Crowley | $28,775 | $127,860 | 11,916 | 5.7% | 42.3% |
| Shreveport | $45,967 | $137,160 | 177,959 | 4.7% | 23.4% |
| Abbeville | $39,566 | $149,735 | 10,890 | 6.1% | 31.68% |
| Minden | $28,233 | $149,689 | 11,248 | 4.9% | 34.43% |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in LA
The annual population has grown by 45,606 individuals since 2010 and reflects people’s intention to move to here. If you’re considering shifting to the Bayou State, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
1. Bastrop
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 24.6%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $82,498 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $600 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Snyder Museum |
Bastrop is an affordable place to live in Louisiana. Its median house rent ranges from $375 – $1,200. A low cost of living and affordable housing make this a great place to live.
The pleasant quality of life in the town is contributed by proximity to outdoor recreational areas, such as Chemin-A-Haut State Park. The park actively hosts events such as the Chemin-a-Haut Trail Run & Walk.
Bastrop also hosts a great educational infrastructure. River Oaks School and Ouachita Christian School are recognized private schools in Bastrop that offer alternative education choices.
» Homes for Sale in Bastrop, LA: Find your dream home in cheapest places to live in Louisiana.
2. Bogalusa
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 19.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $90,358 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $900 |
| 🏇 Known For | Splendor Farms |
Bogalusa is one of Louisiana’s most budget-friendly rental destinations, with an average home rent of $900. It also offers affordable transportation, which is 8.5% lower than the national average.
Bogalusa has a great medical infrastructure with hospitals like Our Lady of the Angels Hospital and Bogalusa Medical Center. In terms of employment, Bogalusa offers a promising job market, particularly in the financial sector. Citizens Savings Bank is a major employer in the area, providing employment opportunities for individuals seeking careers in finance.
» Homes for Sale in Bogalusa, LA: Browse thousands of property listings in cheap cities in Louisiana.
3. Jeanerette
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 17.5%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $85,618 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,100 |
| 🌶️ Known For | TABASCO Factory |
With rental costs below the national average, Jeanerette stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in Louisiana. The house rent price is $1,100, cheaper than the national average.
Jeanerette is known as the “Sugar City” because of its rich farming history. The city’s location along Bayou Teche enhances its appeal by offering residents opportunities for outdoor activities like freshwater fishing. It also has an educational school system that consists of Jeanerette High School, Jeanerette Middle School, and Jeanerette Elementary School. For employment opportunities, Jeanerette offers range of options, with M.A. Patout & Son and Metal Shark Boats. These companies stands out as prominent employers in the area.
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4. Franklin
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 22.2%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $98,982 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $745 |
| 🎋 Known For | Forest Restaurant |
Franklin offers budget-friendly living with a median rent of $745, lower than the national median of $2,103. With monthly utilities costs 22.8% lower than the national average, the city stands out as one of the most inexpensive places to live in Louisiana.
While Franklin, Louisiana, is renowned for its historic downtown and cultural attractions like the Grevemberg House Museum and Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts, it also offers a thriving job market. Employers like Teche Federal Bank and Franklin Foundation Hospital offers major job offers to its residents.
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5. Jennings
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 18.7%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $126,148 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $770 |
| 🐊 Known For | Gator Chateau |
Jennings’ cost of living is 18.7% lower than the national average. The average grocery expenses are 10.9% lower than the national average.
The city is situated on Interstate 10 between Lafayette and Lake Charles. Jennings is a small town with historical significance in the oil industry, earning it the nickname “The Cradle of Louisiana Oil.” Also, the city is home to renowned companies that offers employment. Renowned local businesses, such as Crawfish Hut and JD Bank, contribute to the town’s economic vitality, providing residents career options.
» Homes for Sale in Jennings, LA: Browse homes in one of the best cities in Louisiana to live.
6. Eunice
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 20.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $119,454 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,000 |
| 🎭 Known For | Liberty Theater |
The house rent in Eunice is between $726 – $1,250. With an average household income of $37,828, you can comfortably live in this city.
Eunice, a bustling city, is a hub for oil field services support companies and associated light manufacturing operations. This economic activity has attracted major employers like Tanner Services and Sunland Construction, creating significant job opportunities. Beyond its economic prowess, Eunice is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, particularly its rich Cajun and Zydeco music traditions.
» Homes for Sale in Eunice, LA: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Louisiana.
7. Crowley
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 16.5%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $127,860 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $950 |
| ⛪ Known For | Heart Of Mary Catholic Church |
Crowley is one of the cheapest cities to live in Louisiana. An individual’s monthly expenditure on groceries is less than 10.7% of the national average.
Crowley is known for hosting one of the largest and oldest agricultural festivals. The city boasts schools like Lafayette Christian Academy and Crowley Middle School, providing quality education to its residents. Additionally, Crowley’s economy is supported by local businesses such as Shop Rite and The Wright Group, contributing to the town’s prosperity.
» Homes for Sale in Crowley, LA: Find homes in one of the cheap and best areas to live in Louisiana.
8. Shreveport
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 7%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $137,160 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,000 |
| ⛪ Known For | Oil and Gas Production |
Shreveport is one of the best city to live in Louisiana, with a median rent that ranges between $415-$3,510. Moreover, Shreveport’s housing expenses are 20% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 14% lower than the national average.
Apart from its affordability, the city has significant presence of oil and gas exploration and production. Shreveport also has Ochsner LSU Health a major academic medical center that offers a wide range of healthcare and research opportunities.
» Homes for Sale in Shreveport, LA: Get yourself a home in cheap and great places to live in Louisiana.
9. Abbeville
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 12.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $149,735 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,000 |
| ⛪ Known For | Giant Omelette Festival |
Abbeville, Louisiana, offers seniors a cost-effective retirement lifestyle. Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment being a mere $550.
This is a substantial $788 less than the national average. Additionally, overall housing costs are 50.5% lower. Grocery prices are also 11.2% below the national average, further reducing living expenses.
The city’s economy is supported by a variety of job opportunities, particularly in sectors like construction and electrical supply. Local employers such as Acadian Contractors and Teche Electric Supply Inc contribute to the region’s economic vitality.
» Homes for Sale in Abbeville, LA: Search homes in one of the cheapest place to live in Louisiana.
10. Minden
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 19.7%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $149,689 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,000 |
| ⛪ Known For | Louisiana Ordnance Plant |
Minden is one of the best places to live in Louisiana for those seeking affordability and employment opportunities. The average home rent in Minden ranges from $392 – $1,095, making it a budget-friendly choice. Transportation costs are also 11.7% lower than the national average, further enhancing its affordability.
For individuals seeking employment, Minden offers a promising job market. The construction and security systems sectors are particularly robust, with companies like Fibrebond and Vector Security being prominent employers in the area.
» Homes for Sale in Minden, LA: Find homes in cheapest places to live in Louisiana.
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The Bottom Line
If you want to move to Louisiana, you will find cheap houses for sale in Louisiana under 100K in cities like Bastrop, Jeanerette, and Bogalusa. They also offer stable job opportunities, and a low cost of living which is more affordable than other Louisiana cities.
Cities like Minden and Abbeville have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. It would help if you researched the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Louisiana’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes for Sale in LA Under Your Specific Budget
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Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for these cities’ population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in Louisiana, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, and Zillow.
FAQs
What is the cheapest place to live in Louisiana?
The cheapest place to live in Louisiana is Bastrop. The cost of living in Bastrop is 24.6%, less expensive than the national average
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Louisiana: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Louisiana!
Is Louisiana the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $205,610. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
Where is the best place to live in Louisiana?
The best place to live in Louisiana is New Orleans, followed by Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Bossier City, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Monroe.
