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Alexandria vs Houma:
Housing Costs in Louisiana

Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Alexandria and Houma, Louisiana. Using Louisiana's 0.55% property tax rate and $3,500/year insurance. Updated for 2026.

MetricAlexandriaHouma
Median Home Price$155K$175K
Population46,54533,278
Average Rent$850/mo$920/mo
Est. Monthly Mortgage (P&I)$882/mo$996/mo
Est. Monthly Property Tax$71/mo$80/mo
Est. Monthly Insurance$292/mo$292/mo
Est. Total PITI$1,303/mo$1,433/mo
Price-to-Rent Ratio15.215.9
Verdict

Alexandria edges out Houma in affordability, saving you roughly $130/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Louisiana, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.

Monthly Payment Comparison

Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Louisiana's 0.55% property tax rate.

Alexandria
Home Price$155,000
Down Payment (10%)$15,500
Loan Amount$139,500
Monthly P&I$882
Monthly Property Tax$71
Monthly Insurance$292
Monthly PMI$58
Total PITI$1,303/mo
Annual property tax: $853
Houma
Home Price$175,000
Down Payment (10%)$17,500
Loan Amount$157,500
Monthly P&I$996
Monthly Property Tax$80
Monthly Insurance$292
Monthly PMI$66
Total PITI$1,433/mo
Annual property tax: $963

Buying in Alexandria saves you approximately $130/month ($1,560/year) compared to Houma, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.

Which City Is Better For...

First-Time Buyers

Alexandria is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $155K versus $175K in Houma. That's $20K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $5K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Alexandria, compared to $6K in Houma. Louisiana offers the LHC Mortgage Revenue Bond program (Up to $10,000 soft second loan) which applies in both cities.

Real Estate Investment

Alexandria has the better price-to-rent ratio at 15.2x versus 15.9x in Houma. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Alexandria is $850/month on a $155K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.

Families

Alexandria (pop. 46,545) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Houma (pop. 33,278) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Alexandria offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.

Income Needed to Afford the Median Home

Alexandria
$56K
annual household income
Based on $1,303/mo PITI at 28% DTI
Houma
$61K
annual household income
Based on $1,433/mo PITI at 28% DTI

Other Cities in Louisiana

New Orleans$275K
Pop. 383,997 · Rent $1,350/mo
Baton Rouge$235K
Pop. 227,470 · Rent $1,150/mo
Shreveport$155K
Pop. 187,593 · Rent $880/mo
Lafayette$225K
Pop. 126,185 · Rent $1,050/mo
Lake Charles$185K
Pop. 82,157 · Rent $950/mo
Kenner$215K
Pop. 66,702 · Rent $1,080/mo
Bossier City$195K
Pop. 68,159 · Rent $980/mo
Monroe$165K
Pop. 47,877 · Rent $880/mo

Explore Louisiana

Louisiana Mortgage Guide$195K median →
0.55% tax · $3K closing · $3,500/yr insurance
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