10 Affordable Places in Louisiana for Couples on a Social Security Budget. Louisiana, known as the Pelican State, has become an attractive option for couples living on Social Security alone.
The state boasts low living costs, favorable tax rates, mild winters, outdoor recreation opportunities, renowned cuisine, and a rich cultural scene. This article explores ten affordable destinations in Louisiana where couples can comfortably live on a Social Security budget.
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The Positive Aspects of Living in Louisiana
On the bright side, Louisiana offers a cost-effective lifestyle with mild winters, abundant outdoor activities, famous cuisine, and a unique cultural experience. The state’s affordability and livability make it an appealing choice for retirees relying solely on Social Security income.
Considerations for Couples
Despite the positive aspects, it’s crucial to consider the downsides. Louisiana experiences brutally hot and humid summers, occasional natural disasters like hurricanes, and high crime rates in various areas. Prospective residents, especially couples relying on Social Security, need to weigh these factors when choosing a place to live.
Methodology for Selection
To identify the most suitable places, GOBankingRates analyzed data from Zillow, AreaVibes, the U.S. Census, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Sperling’s Best Places. The focus was on destinations with affordable living costs and high livability scores for couples on a Social Security budget.
Top 10 Affordable Places for Couples in Louisiana
Here is a reverse-ordered list of the top 10 places in Louisiana, considering factors such as average rent, total monthly living costs, and livability scores:
10. DeRidder
- Average Rent: $1,127.99
- Total Monthly Cost of Living: $2,953.51
- Livability Score: 70
9. Ruston
- Average Rent: $1,012.19
- Total Monthly Cost of Living: $2,801.81
- Livability Score: 66
8. Westlake
- Average Rent: $1,269.45
- Total Monthly Cost of Living: $2,988.65
- Livability Score: 65
7. Bossier City
- Average Rent: $1,342.94
- Total Monthly Cost of Living: $3,018.07
- Livability Score: 70
6. Leesville
- Average Rent: $1,037.61
- Total Monthly Cost of Living: $2,765.77
- Livability Score: 68
5. Shreveport
- Average Rent: $1,109.97
- Total Monthly Cost of Living: $2,774.05
- Livability Score: 59
4. New Iberia
- Average Rent: $934.92
- Total Monthly Cost of Living: $2,782.12
- Livability Score: 73
3. Lake Charles
- Average Rent: $1,088.07
- Total Monthly Cost of Living: $2,784.08
- Livability Score: 68
2. Thibodaux
- Average Rent: $1,034.17
- Total Monthly Cost of Living: $2,865.96
- Livability Score: 82
1. Sulphur
- Average Rent: $1,017.06
- Total Monthly Cost of Living: $2,722.19
- Livability Score: 70
These destinations offer a blend of affordability and livability, making them attractive options for couples looking to stretch their Social Security income in Louisiana.
[irp]Conclusion
Louisiana provides diverse and affordable living options for couples on a Social Security budget. From Sulphur’s low overall cost to Thibodaux’s high livability, retirees can find a suitable home, balancing financial constraints with a rich cultural and recreational lifestyle.
