Monroe

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Monroe, LA

Area Guide

Natural beauty triumphs in Northeast Louisiana

Affordable Riverside Scenic Lush Active Diverse Suburban

Located along the Ouachita River in northeastern Louisiana, Monroe combines Southern hospitality with city conveniences. The city offers affordable housing options, with average rent prices ranging from $563 for studios to $1,041 for three-bedroom units. The Garden District showcases historic architecture and mature oak trees, while downtown Monroe continues to grow with local shops and restaurants. The University of Louisiana Monroe campus area provides additional housing options, and outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo and Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, both offering walking trails and nature viewing.

The Monroe Civic Center serves as the city's entertainment hub, hosting concerts and events throughout the year. Art lovers frequent the Masur Museum of Art, housed in a Tudor-style mansion along the Ouachita River. The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum highlights the area's aviation history, including its connection to Delta Air Lines' founding. Housing choices span from apartments near Pecanland Mall to residences in established neighborhoods. Monroe's location on Interstate 20 connects residents to nearby cities while maintaining lower living costs typical of northeastern Louisiana.

Rent Trends

As of January 2026, the average apartment rent in Monroe, LA is $575 for a studio, $850 for one bedroom, $1,069 for two bedrooms, and $1,102 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Monroe has increased by 5.3% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$850/month
701 Sq Ft
House
$1,454/month
1,103 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,725/month
1,211 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Monroe, LA

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Monroe, LA is 8.2% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Monroe is 26.0% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $575 - $1,102. You can expect to pay 3.8% less for groceries, 24.4% less for utilities, and 3.9% less for transportation.

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Transportation

42

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

41

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Sallie Humble Elementary School

Public

Grades 3-6

599 Students

J.S. Clark Magnet Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-6

462 Students

Robinson Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

413 Students

Jack Hayes Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

587 Students

Swartz Upper Elementary School

Public

Grades 3-5

383 Students

Ouachita Parish High School

Public

Grades 8-12

1,191 Students

Robert E. Lee Junior High School

Public

Grades 7-8

480 Students

Richwood Junior High School

Public

Grades 6-8

378 Students

Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School

Public

Grades 7-8

353 Students

Richwood High School

Public

Grades 8-12

506 Students

Sterlington High School

Public

Grades 9-12

539 Students

Neville High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,121 Students

Ouachita Parish High School

Public

Grades 8-12

1,191 Students

Wossman High School

Public

Grades 9-12

636 Students

Carroll High School

Public

Grades 9-12

609 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
  • Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo
  • Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Airports

  • Monroe Regional

Top Apartments in Monroe

Houses for Rent in Monroe

Property Management Companies in Monroe, LA

Living in Monroe

Shopping

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Pecanland Mall in Millhaven Road is the largest shopping center in northern Louisiana and features a large food court, a carousel, a 10-screen movie complex, and major retailers such as J. C. Penney, Old Navy, Toys R Us, Sears and Dick's Sporting goods. The apartments in the surrounding areas have the advantages of ready access to one of the premier shopping areas in the region as well as dining and entertainment.

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.