Cost of Living in Louisiana
Louisiana has 17 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from New Orleans (cost index 91.2) to Baton Rouge (93.4), with a statewide average around 91.9 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Monroe at $886/mo and highest in Slidell at $1,375/mo.
Louisiana at a Glance
Cities Tracked
17
with census data
Avg Cost Index
91.9
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,126
per month
Avg Household Income
$61,039
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| # | City | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Orleans | 91.2 |
| 2 | Metairie | 91.2 |
| 3 | Baton Rouge | 93.4 |
Most Expensive
| # | City | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baton Rouge | 93.4 |
| 2 | New Orleans | 91.2 |
| 3 | Metairie | 91.2 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Popular Cities in Louisiana
Explore Louisiana Cities in Depth
Climate & Weather in Louisiana
Healthcare & Hospitals in Louisiana
Neighborhoods in Louisiana
Jobs & Industries in Louisiana
Louisiana Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| New Orleans | 371,853 | 91.2 | $1,251 | $315,700 | $56,631 |
| Baton Rouge | 222,771 | 93.4 | $1,067 | $234,700 | $49,994 |
| Shreveport | 180,982 | — | $987 | $178,900 | $48,699 |
| Metairie | 139,729 | 91.2 | $1,175 | $327,500 | $73,042 |
| Lafayette | 121,715 | — | $1,100 | $257,000 | $61,915 |
| Lake Charles | 81,143 | — | $1,109 | $214,300 | $59,235 |
| Kenner | 64,904 | — | $1,179 | $246,300 | $64,020 |
| Bossier City | 62,901 | — | $1,107 | $202,100 | $55,819 |
| Monroe | 47,004 | — | $886 | $198,900 | $40,505 |
| Alexandria | 44,060 | — | $931 | $183,700 | $47,113 |
| Prairieville | 35,238 | — | $1,324 | $317,400 | $104,923 |
| Marrero | 32,540 | — | $1,042 | $169,800 | $41,402 |
| Houma | 32,392 | — | $1,058 | $205,900 | $58,194 |
| Central | 29,783 | — | $1,309 | $288,700 | $89,554 |
| Slidell | 28,561 | — | $1,375 | $217,700 | $70,497 |
| Laplace | 28,343 | — | $1,351 | $199,900 | $69,030 |
| New Iberia | 27,571 | — | $894 | $158,300 | $47,087 |
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 91.9 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,126/month and median household income averages around $61,039/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Louisiana?
The most affordable cities in Louisiana by cost of living index are: 1. New Orleans (index 91.2), 2. Metairie (index 91.2), 3. Baton Rouge (index 93.4).
What is the median rent in Louisiana?
The average median gross rent across cities in Louisiana is approximately $1,126/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Louisiana?
State income tax information for Louisiana is not yet available in our database.
What is the sales tax in Louisiana?
Sales tax information for Louisiana is not yet available in our database.
Is it expensive to move to Louisiana?
Louisiana has a cost of living index of approximately 91.9 and average median rent around $1,126/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: June 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology