Cost of living in Louisiana
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Louisiana are 11.8% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 88.2 (U.S. = 100), making it the #5 cheapest of 51 states and DC. Compare Louisiana with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Louisiana prices
- 10.0% pricier
- Take-home in Louisiana at $75,000
- $59,729$4,977 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $65,721$5,477 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- −6.3%−$4,129 a year in Louisiana buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Louisiana take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Louisiana with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Louisiana as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Louisiana? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Louisiana prices by category
| Category | Louisiana | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 88.2 | −11.8% |
| Goods | 93.7 | −6.3% |
| Housing (rent) | 63.1 | −36.9% |
| Utilities | 71.5 | −28.5% |
| Other services | 95.7 | −4.3% |
Low housing costs keep Louisiana affordable: rents run 37% below average. The overall price level fell 0.6% relative to the nation versus 2023 (88.7). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Louisiana, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $8,759 | $41,241 | $46,755 | $56,685 |
| $75,000 | $15,271 | $59,729 | $67,714 | $85,027 |
| $100,000 | $23,434 | $76,566 | $86,803 | $113,370 |
At $75,000, Louisiana ranks #5 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Louisiana paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Louisiana equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Louisiana. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Louisiana once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | +10.0% | $82,525 | $80,869 |
| Arkansas | −1.4% | $73,920 | $74,345 |
| Mississippi | −1.4% | $73,934 | $74,329 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | −0.5% | $74,622 | $75,050 |
| Oklahoma | −0.4% | $74,691 | $76,092 |
| California | +25.5% | $94,142 | $103,595 |
| Hawaii | +24.7% | $93,488 | $102,325 |
| Washington, DC | +24.6% | $93,446 | $101,396 |
| New Jersey | +23.4% | $92,514 | $98,878 |
| Florida | +17.2% | $87,930 | $86,988 |
| New York | +22.3% | $91,762 | $98,760 |
Moving from Louisiana to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Louisiana expensive to live in?
Louisiana has a price level of 88.2 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 11.8% below the national average. It ranks #5 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Louisiana?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $66,155 in Louisiana before taxes. After Louisiana taxes, $75,000 takes home $59,729 — worth $67,714 at U.S.-average prices, #5 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Louisiana?
Louisiana's housing price level is 63.1, meaning rents are 36.9% below the national average. Goods are 93.7 and utilities 71.5.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Arkansas (price level 86.9, −1.4% vs Louisiana). A $75,000 Louisiana salary is equivalent to $74,345 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.