Cost of Living in Louisiana
Louisiana has 18 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Baton Rouge (cost index 93.0) to Alexandria (111.2), with a statewide average around 97.9 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Monroe at $823/mo and highest in Slidell at $1,381/mo.
Louisiana at a Glance
Cities Tracked
18
with census data
Avg Cost Index
97.9
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,087
per month
Avg Household Income
$60,935
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge | 93.0 | $1,044 |
| New Orleans | 93.7 | $1,211 |
| Metairie | 93.7 | $1,159 |
| Alexandria | 111.2 | $946 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | 111.2 | $946 |
| New Orleans | 93.7 | $1,211 |
| Metairie | 93.7 | $1,159 |
| Baton Rouge | 93.0 | $1,044 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Louisiana
State Income Tax
4.25%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
4.45%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Louisiana
Louisiana Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| New Orleans | 376,035 | 93.7 | $1,211 | $296,400 | $55,339 |
| Baton Rouge | 223,699 | 93.0 | $1,044 | $224,500 | $49,944 |
| Shreveport | 183,483 | — | $980 | $178,100 | $48,465 |
| Metairie | 138,995 | 93.7 | $1,159 | $308,900 | $73,256 |
| Lafayette | 121,537 | — | $1,065 | $251,300 | $61,454 |
| Lake Charles | 81,679 | — | $1,090 | $204,000 | $56,864 |
| Kenner | 65,113 | — | $1,129 | $241,800 | $64,099 |
| Bossier City | 62,832 | — | $1,097 | $192,300 | $55,130 |
| Monroe | 47,241 | — | $823 | $174,800 | $36,521 |
| Alexandria | 44,566 | 111.2 | $946 | $182,800 | $47,357 |
| Prairieville | 35,010 | — | $1,225 | $302,200 | $115,610 |
| Houma | 32,760 | — | $1,011 | $207,900 | $54,637 |
| Marrero | 31,866 | — | $997 | $173,200 | $45,633 |
| Central | 29,603 | — | $1,373 | $270,700 | $90,091 |
| Slidell | 28,664 | — | $1,381 | $207,800 | $66,657 |
| Laplace | 28,480 | — | $1,097 | $188,900 | $68,028 |
| New Iberia | 27,926 | — | $878 | $150,300 | $50,802 |
| Terrytown | 25,844 | — | $1,065 | $212,000 | $56,944 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Louisiana cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Louisiana cities stack up across the US. For example, New Orleans vs Baton Rouge.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Louisiana
What is the cost of living in Louisiana?
The average cost of living index across cities in Louisiana is approximately 97.9 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,087/month and median household income averages around $60,935/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Louisiana?
The most affordable cities in Louisiana by cost of living index are: 1. Baton Rouge (index 93.0), 2. New Orleans (index 93.7), 3. Metairie (index 93.7).
What is the median rent in Louisiana?
The average median gross rent across cities in Louisiana is approximately $1,087/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Louisiana?
Louisiana's top marginal state income tax rate is 4.25%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Louisiana?
Louisiana's statewide sales tax rate is 4.45%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Louisiana?
Louisiana has a cost of living index of approximately 97.9 and average median rent around $1,087/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology