Louisiana's cost of living index is 93 — 7.0% below the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
93
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
-7.0%
Less expensive
Median Income
$51,073
Louisiana median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$54,917
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 93 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | 7.0% | Below average cost |
| Median Household Income | $51,073 | Louisiana median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $54,917 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Low | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 4,657,757 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 93, Louisiana is 7% below the national average. Lower costs in Louisiana mean your dollar goes further. A salary of $51,073 in Louisiana provides the equivalent purchasing power of $54,917 in a state at the national average.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Louisiana's median home price of $200,000 is well below the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (4.25% top rate in Louisiana), sales tax (4.45% state rate), and local property tax rates (0.55%).
