Louisiana cost of living
Moving to a new state is a big decision, and cost of living is a major factor. Whether you're relocating to Louisiana for a job, a change of scenery or any other reason, read on for some things to consider.
The median rent in Louisiana is $1,296.67, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Louisiana spend $282.95 weekly on food at home and $110.64 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.02 in Louisiana.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Louisiana pay $1,706 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Louisiana
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Louisiana is $1,296.67, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Louisiana broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Louisiana had a median cost of $786 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $971 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,135 and $1,338, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Louisiana is $254,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
Louisiana ranks No. 46 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.56%.
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Food costs in Louisiana
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Louisiana is $282.95, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Louisiana residents spend an average of $110.64 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Louisiana
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Louisiana is $3.02, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Louisiana is $1,682.79, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
Public transportation in Louisiana varies by parish. For Example, in Orleans Parish, the Regional Transit Authority operates 30 bus routes, five streetcar lines and two ferry routes. In 2022, the average fare for public transit in New Orleans was 94 cents, according to a 2024 ConsumerAffairs public transit story.
Health care costs in Louisiana
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Louisiana employees $1,706 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,716 of the $7,422 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Louisiana
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Louisiana is $159.24, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Louisiana costs $13.24 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
What are the most expensive cities in Louisiana?
The most expensive cities to live in in Louisiana are New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport as of publishing.
How much do I need to make to live comfortably in New Orleans?
In a 2024 ConsumerAffairs study on income needed to live in America’s largest cities, we found that you’d need a salary of $66,575.20 or an hourly wage of $32.01 to live comfortably in New Orleans.
What other expenses should I consider when moving to Louisiana?
In general, you might consider the cost of entertainment, parking and airline travel from your closest airport if you’re a frequent traveler. These costs vary by city and state.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
