RentData

Average Rent in Houma, LA Rents rising 2.6% YoY🔺 4th priciest in LA

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 204,032

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Houma, LA has rental prices ranging from $786/month to $1,519/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $934/month — 33% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $64,269/year, spending $934/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Houma Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,146/month, Houma ranks #4 most expensive of the 47 cities tracked in Louisiana — pricier than 78% of all US cities in our data.

The Houma Rental Market

The Houma, LA area has a population of about 204,032 and 24% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Houma, LA have risen by $29/month (2.6%) over the past year, from $1,117 to $1,146. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Houma, LA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $37,360. The local median household income of $64,269 exceeds that threshold by $26,909, making Houma relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Houma, LA is $188,318, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 13.7. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 14 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$786
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$934
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,146
2.6% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,382
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,519
Affordable
🔔
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Median Home Value
$188,318
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,002/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Houma, LA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$45,840/year
Local median income: $64,269
To buy a median home
$40,092/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,146/month and 20% down on a $188,318 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in LAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
New Orleans$1,071$1,236$1,478$1,889
Assumption Parish$805$830$926$1,298
Baton Rouge$1,063$1,081$1,222$1,528
Lafayette$740$930$1,052$1,322
Shreveport$767$892$1,017$1,317
Lake Charles$871$877$1,144$1,383

Rent or Buy in Houma?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Houma data

$
Home Value
$188,318
2BR Rent
$1,146/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,002/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $1,387/movs rent: $1,146/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $188,318 home at 7% rate

20% — $37,664
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,002
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$150,654
Total Paid
$360,831
Total Interest
$210,177
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Houma

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Houma

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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Houma

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💵Rent Affordability in Houma

Salary needed to afford rent here

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