“The Bayou State” is full of rich history and iconic spots. From the swamp, from Bayous in Atchafalaya Basin to Mardi Gras and the French district. Louisiana’s unique cities, traditions and warm climate provide many reasons to consider living in the state. So, if you want to live somewhere in Louisiana, you could also be budgeting that you want to stay in searching for your home or apartment. When it comes to buying a Louisiana home, the median home selling price is $248,600.
Don’t worry if that number doesn’t fit in your budget. We have options that will help you find a home or apartment to do so. Redfin has compiled a list of five most affordable locations in Louisiana, all of which have median home selling prices under the state average. From Shreveport to Baton Rouge, jump in and see the cities on your list.
#1: Shreveport
Median home price: $175,000
Average selling price per square foot: $116
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,035
Median household income: $40,809
Nearest Major Metro: Dallas, Texas (190 miles)
Shreveport, LA Homes For Sale
Shreveport Rent at LA Apartment
Shreveport is the most affordable city to live in Louisiana. Shreveport, the nearest metro, about 190 miles from Dallas, Texas, lives in about 187,600 people. Living in Shreveport allows you to discover parks like Veterans Park, visiting museums such as the Sci-Port Discovery Center and Spring Street Historical Museum, and explore the riverfront area for an afternoon on Crosslake.
#2: Bossier City
Median home price: $189,500
Average selling price per square foot: $145
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,180
Median household income: $44,785
Nearest Major Metro: Shreveport (2 miles)
Bossier City, LA Homes For Sale
Bosuis City, apartments in LA
The second city on the list of affordable places to live in Louisiana is Bossier City. There are some top attractions you’ll want to check out at Bossier City. Explore the vast Red River National Wildlife Refuge and check out Bosie City in downtown.
#3: Baton Rouge
Median home price: $210,000
Average selling price per square foot: $140
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,102
Median household income: $44,177
Nearest Major Metro: New Orleans (85 miles)
Baton Rouge, LA Holmes sales
Baton Rouge, LA apartment rental
Next is Baton Rouge, which has approximately 227,500 residents. The median home selling price is $210,000, which is about $38,000 less than the median home selling price in Louisiana. If you are moving to Baton Rouge, visit the streets of Louisiana State Capitol and Louisiana’s former Capitol, check out Milford Wan Pold Memorial Park and discover exhibits at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum.
>Read: Los Angeles’ popular Baton Rouge, living nearby
#4: Lake Charles
Median home price: $225,000
Average selling price per square foot: $122
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $978
Median household income: $44,785
Nearest Major Metro: Beaumont, Texas (60 miles)
LA Homes For Sale, Lake Charles
Lake Charles, LA Apartments Rental
The median home selling price was $225,000, and Lake Charles won the fourth spot on the list of affordable locations in Louisiana. When you live in the city of 84,900, you can explore downtown Lake Charles, check out Lakefront Parks, such as Bolt Durack Park and Millennium Park, and spend some time on North Beach on Lake Charles’ coast.
#5: Lafayette
Median home price: $235,000
Average selling price per square foot: $143
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,217
Median household income: $44,785
Nearest Major Metro: Baton Rouge (55 miles)
Lafayette, Lafayette sales
LAFAYETTE, LA Apartments Rental
Lafayette is nothing more than a little more expensive than Lake Charles. With 121,400 residents, this affordable town is a great option to add to your list. Living in Lafayette you can visit one of the historic sites and museums, including the historic village of Vermillionville, the Acadian Village of L’Arc, and the Hilliard Museum, explore the Acadiana Park Nature Station and stroll through downtown Lafayette.
Methodology: Every city requires more than 50,000 residents per US census, and must have a median home sales price under the average central home sales price in Louisiana. Median home sales prices and median sales prices per square foot from Redfin Data Center in April 2025. Average rental data from April 2025. Median household income data from the population and US Census Bureau.
