Cost of Living in Louisiana
18 cities • 1,585,333 total population • 2026 Data
$60,935
Avg. Median Income
-21% vs national
$1,087
Avg. Median Rent
-19% vs national
$220,439
Avg. Home Value
-35% vs national
6.2%
Avg. Unemployment
Overview
Louisiana has 18 cities with populations over 25,000, totaling 1,585,333 residents. The average median household income across these cities is $60,935, which is 21% below the national median.
Rent averages $1,087 per month, and the average home value is $220,439. The largest city is New Orleans, while Monroe offers the lowest rent and Slidell has the highest.
Most Affordable Cities in Louisiana
| # | City | Median Rent | Median Income | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monroe | $823 | $36,521 | $174,800 |
| 2 | New Iberia | $878 | $50,802 | $150,300 |
| 3 | Alexandria | $946 | $47,357 | $182,800 |
| 4 | Shreveport | $980 | $48,465 | $178,100 |
| 5 | Marrero | $997 | $45,633 | $173,200 |
Most Expensive Cities in Louisiana
| # | City | Median Rent | Median Income | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Slidell | $1,381 | $66,657 | $207,800 |
| 2 | Central | $1,373 | $90,091 | $270,700 |
| 3 | Prairieville | $1,225 | $115,610 | $302,200 |
| 4 | New Orleans | $1,211 | $55,339 | $296,400 |
| 5 | Metairie | $1,159 | $73,256 | $308,900 |
Highest Income Cities in Louisiana
| # | City | Median Income | Median Rent | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prairieville | $115,610 | $1,225 | 35,010 |
| 2 | Central | $90,091 | $1,373 | 29,603 |
| 3 | Metairie | $73,256 | $1,159 | 138,995 |
| 4 | Laplace | $68,028 | $1,097 | 28,480 |
| 5 | Slidell | $66,657 | $1,381 | 28,664 |
All Cities in Louisiana
| City | Population | Income | Rent | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 376,035 | $55,339 | $1,211 | $296,400 |
| Baton Rouge | 223,699 | $49,944 | $1,044 | $224,500 |
| Shreveport | 183,483 | $48,465 | $980 | $178,100 |
| Metairie | 138,995 | $73,256 | $1,159 | $308,900 |
| Lafayette | 121,537 | $61,454 | $1,065 | $251,300 |
| Lake Charles | 81,679 | $56,864 | $1,090 | $204,000 |
| Kenner | 65,113 | $64,099 | $1,129 | $241,800 |
| Bossier City | 62,832 | $55,130 | $1,097 | $192,300 |
| Monroe | 47,241 | $36,521 | $823 | $174,800 |
| Alexandria | 44,566 | $47,357 | $946 | $182,800 |
| Prairieville | 35,010 | $115,610 | $1,225 | $302,200 |
| Houma | 32,760 | $54,637 | $1,011 | $207,900 |
| Marrero | 31,866 | $45,633 | $997 | $173,200 |
| Central | 29,603 | $90,091 | $1,373 | $270,700 |
| Slidell | 28,664 | $66,657 | $1,381 | $207,800 |
| Laplace | 28,480 | $68,028 | $1,097 | $188,900 |
| New Iberia | 27,926 | $50,802 | $878 | $150,300 |
| Terrytown | 25,844 | $56,944 | $1,065 | $212,000 |
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. State averages calculated from cities with population over 25,000.