New Orleans is a city full of music, history, and incredible food. It’s also a city where rent prices seem to be based on how much someone thinks a tourist would pay per night. If you’ve ever looked at a rental listing in the French Quarter and thought, “I could afford this if I stopped eating,” then you’re not alone. Fortunately, there’s hope. Just outside the city, a handful of affordable New Orleans suburbs offer lower rents, more space, and a much better chance of finding parking. Let’s take a look at where you can live near the Big Easy without giving up your entire paycheck.
New Orleans’ housing market at a glance
New Orleans is a city like no other, but the cost of living—especially housing—can sneak up on you faster than a second helping of beignets. Fortunately, several nearby suburbs offer more affordable alternatives while still keeping you close to the city. Here’s a quick look at New Orleans’ current housing prices before diving into the best budget-friendly suburbs for renters in 2025.
| Average 1-bedroom rent in New Orleans | $1,697 |
| Average 2-bedroom rent in New Orleans | $1,812 |
| Median home price in New Orleans | $315,000 |
1. Westwego
If you’ve ever dreamed of living somewhere where shrimp is fresher than the gossip at Sunday brunch, Westwego is your spot.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $862
- Distance from New Orleans: 10 miles west
- Drive time to New Orleans: About 20 minutes
At just $862 a month on average for a 1-bedroom, Westwego is the most budget-friendly suburb on this list. It’s also home to the Westwego Shrimp Lot, a seafood market where you can buy shrimp fresh off the boat—because if you’re going to live near New Orleans, you might as well do it right. Nature lovers will appreciate Bayou Segnette State Park, great for fishing, boating, and picnicking with friends. If you’re more into history, the Westwego Historical Museum showcases the town’s past, proving that Westwego isn’t just affordable, it also has a story to tell.
2. Terrytown
Just six miles from New Orleans, Terrytown has affordable rent, suburban convenience, and enough charm to chill you out on the weekend.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $881
- Distance from New Orleans: 6 miles southwest
- Drive time to New Orleans: About 15 minutes
If you want affordability with easy access to downtown New Orleans, Terrytown is a solid choice at $881 per month for a 1-bedroom. Located just across the river, it’s a short drive to the city, which means you can still pretend you live in New Orleans without paying New Orleans rent. Woodmere Park is full of green space, while Terrytown Playground provides play areas for families who need to let their kids burn off some energy. Housing here includes affordable townhouses and newly-constructed apartment complexes, making it a great pick for budget-conscious renters.
3. Chalmette
If you like history, affordable rent, and having a battlefield practically in your backyard, Chalmette is a solid choice.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $950
- Distance from New Orleans: 10 miles east
- Drive time to New Orleans: About 20 minutes
With 1-bedroom apartment rent averaging $950, Chalmette serves up affordability with a side of history. The Chalmette Battlefield, site of the Battle of New Orleans, is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys walking through history (or just likes having a cool place to impress visitors). If you prefer spending your free time under the Louisiana sun, St. Bernard State Park has scenic trails and plenty of green space. For something unique, Los Isleños Museum showcases the heritage of Louisiana’s Canary Islander settlers.
4. Gretna
So close to New Orleans you can hear the jazz, but with rent prices that won’t make you feel tempted to start a GoFundMe.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,049
- Distance from New Orleans: 5 miles southwest
- Drive time to New Orleans: About 10 minutes
At $1,049 per month for a 1-bedroom, Gretna is one of the closest and most affordable suburbs of New Orleans. The Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop is a fascinating look at a 19th-century trade. The German-American Cultural Center highlights the contributions of German immigrants to Louisiana (because, fun fact, New Orleans has a surprising amount of German history). Anyone looking for a little nutrition needs to check out the Gretna Farmers Market, a Saturday staple. Housing in Gretna includes historic homes and modern apartments, offering something for every budget.
5. Jefferson
Where you can catch a live show, see a model train, and still afford groceries after paying rent.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Distance from New Orleans: 6 miles west
- Drive time to New Orleans: About 15 minutes
With 1-bedroom apartments averaging $1,100 per month, Jefferson is a great option for renters who want to be near the action without sacrificing affordability. If you’re a fan of live entertainment, the Jefferson Performing Arts Center and Rivertown Theaters both offer year-round shows that range from Broadway-style productions to quirky local performances. If you like trains (or just need a cool place to take your nieces and nephews), the Louisiana Steam Train Association is an unexpected delight. Housing options in Jefferson include spacious apartments and townhouses that won’t make your wallet lose weight.
6. Slidell
The only place where you can take a swamp tour, browse historic main street, and catch a local theater production—all while paying way less than your friends in the city.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,151
- Distance from New Orleans: 33 miles northeast
- Drive time to New Orleans: About 35 minutes
At $1,151 per month for a 1-bedroom, Slidell is a great option for people who love the great outdoors. Honey Island Swamp Tours offer up-close encounters with Louisiana wildlife, which is either thrilling or terrifying depending on how you feel about alligators. Olde Towne Slidell is packed with historic buildings, art galleries, and charming shops. And if you enjoy live performances, Slidell Little Theatre hosts shows featuring local talent. The housing options here included affordable single-family homes and apartments, making it ideal for those who want space without paying city prices.
7. Metairie
If you want the perks of New Orleans but prefer your parades with more space and fewer people spilling drinks on you, Metairie is the answer.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,191
- Distance from New Orleans: 6 miles west
- Drive time to New Orleans: About 15 minutes
With 1-bedroom apartments going for about $1,191 per month, Metairie is one of the best suburbs for renters who want city access without the sky-high prices. Lafreniere Park is a massive green space with trails, open areas, and even a lagoon, making it the perfect place to decompress after a long day. If you’re a sports fan, Shrine One Airline is the spot to catch a NOLA Gold rugby match. When it comes to finding a place, Metairie has everything from high-rise apartments to single-family homes, making it one of the most versatile places to live near New Orleans.
8. Harvey
Home to casinos, shopping, and festivals, Harvey is proof that you don’t need to be in the city to have a good time.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,199
- Distance from New Orleans: 7 miles southwest
- Drive time to New Orleans: About 15 minutes
At $1,199 per month on average for a 1-bedroom, Harvey has a lot to offer. If you like casinos, Boomtown Casino has gaming, dining, and enough neon lights to make you feel like you’re winning even when you’re losing. For festival lovers, Gretna Fest brings music, food, and culture together every year. Housing options in Harvey include affordable apartments and suburban-style homes, making it a great spot for those who want variety.
9. Marrero
Where you can swap city noise for bayou breezes and still make it to work in under 20 minutes.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,200
- Distance from New Orleans: 8 miles southwest
- Drive time to New Orleans: About 15 minutes
At $1,200 per month for a 1-bedroom, Marrero is perfect for renters who love spending time outside. Jean Lafitte National Park has swamp trails and wildlife that make you feel like you’re in another world. The housing options here are a mix of apartments and single-family homes with plenty of space, making it a great pick for those who need a little room to breathe.
10. Mandeville
It’s like living in a waterfront vacation town—except you don’t have to pack up and leave on Sunday.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,255
- Distance from New Orleans: 35 miles north
- Drive time to New Orleans: About 40 minutes
At $1,255 per month on average for a 1-bedroom, Mandeville is the priciest suburb on this list, but you’re paying for lakefront views, fresh air, and a community that somehow feels like both a vacation spot and a hometown. If you enjoy the great outdoors, Fontainebleau State Park has everything from hiking trails to sandy beaches, plus the eerie remains of a historic sugar mill. For bikers, joggers, and people who buy athletic clothes with good intentions, the Mandeville Trailhead serves as a major hub for the Tammany Trace, a scenic trail that runs through multiple towns.
Find your new home in an affordable New Orleans suburb
Just outside the city, these ten affordable New Orleans suburbs offer everything from historic charm to waterfront views—without requiring you to sell an organ. Want to wake up to lakefront sunrises? Mandeville is calling your name. Prefer a town where the seafood is as fresh as the rent is cheap? Westwego has got you covered. Need a place with easy access to the city but without the price tag of a French Quarter apartment the size of a shoebox? Gretna, Jefferson, and Metairie are solid bets.
No matter what you’re looking for—swamp trails, minor league baseball, or a house with a yard big enough for a crawfish boil setup—there’s a suburb for you. The hardest part? Deciding which one to call home. Oh, and convincing your New Orleans friends that yes, crossing the river is worth it.
Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s one-bedroom rent was less than New Orleans’ average rent and under 40 miles from downtown New Orleans. Average rental data from New Orleans rental market trends in February, 2025. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
