Last updated 2026-07-10 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Low housing costs, world-class food, Cajun culture, and warm winters.
1. Baton Rouge: Best value overall
2. Shreveport: Cheapest big city
3. Lafayette: Best for culture
4. Monroe: Cheapest overall
5. Alexandria: Best central value
6. Lake Charles: Best for industry jobs
7. Houma: Best bayou town
8. Ruston: Best college town
Louisiana pairs some of the lowest housing costs in the country with a culture and food scene unlike anywhere else. Insurance and storm risk are the trade-offs, so research carefully. Here are the 8 cheapest places to live in Louisiana, ranked.