Cost of Living for Louisiana (2026)
Louisiana (LA) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
92
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$52,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$900/month
State Income Tax Rate
4.25%
How This Calculator Works in Louisiana
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between Louisiana and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses Louisiana's cost of living index of 92 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
Louisiana Overview
Louisiana has a cost of living index of 92, where 100 represents the national average. Louisiana has a below-average cost of living, though New Orleans is more expensive than the state average. Insurance costs (flood and hurricane) are a significant expense in many areas. The median household income is $52,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $56,522 in an average-cost location.
How Louisiana Compares
Louisiana's cost of living index of 92 compares to Texas's 92 and Arkansas's 87. Residents in Louisiana benefit from lower costs compared to the national average, meaning salaries stretch further here. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 10% less than Louisiana, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 109% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | COL Index: 92 | Texas has a cost of living index of 92 and a median household income of $67,000. It has a similar cost of living to Louisiana. |
| Arkansas | COL Index: 87 | Arkansas has a cost of living index of 87 and a median household income of $52,000. It is more affordable than Louisiana. |
| Mississippi | COL Index: 84 | Mississippi has a cost of living index of 84 and a median household income of $46,000. It is more affordable than Louisiana. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. Louisiana's index of 92 is below the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. Louisiana's median household income of $52,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for Louisiana Residents
- 1Louisiana has a below-average cost of living, though New Orleans is more expensive than the state average. Insurance costs (flood and hurricane) are a significant expense in many areas.
- 2Louisiana's median household income of $52,000 has a real purchasing power of about $56,522 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3Louisiana's top state income tax rate of 4.25% further reduces purchasing power beyond what the cost of living index alone shows. Factor in taxes when making state-to-state comparisons.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within Louisiana between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.