State Comparison

Louisiana vs Mississippi

Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.

Overall Score

6
Louisiana
LA
2 tied
of 16 metrics
8
Mississippi
MS

Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index
LA: 91.1
MS: 83.3
MS

Housing

Median Home Price
LA: $195,000
MS: $165,000
MS
Median 2BR Rent
LA: $935/mo
MS: $815/mo
MS
Closing Costs
LA: 2.80%
MS: 2.60%
MS
Transfer Tax Rate
LA: 0.00%
MS: 0.00%
Tie

Taxes

Property Tax Rate
LA: 0.55%
MS: 0.81%
LA
Top Income Tax Rate
LA: 4.25%
MS: 5.00%
LA
Sales Tax Rate
LA: 4.45%
MS: 7.00%
LA
Capital Gains Tax Rate
LA: 4.25%
MS: 5.00%
LA

Income & Employment

Median Household Income
LA: $52,295
MS: $48,610
LA
Minimum Wage
LA: $7.25/hr
MS: $7.25/hr
Tie
Max Unemployment Benefit
LA: $247/wk
MS: $235/wk
LA

Business

LLC Filing Fee
LA: $100
MS: $50
MS
LLC Annual Fee
LA: $35
MS: $0
MS

Insurance & Living

Avg Car Insurance
LA: $2,840/yr
MS: $1,780/yr
MS
Avg Home Insurance
LA: $3,200/yr
MS: $2,510/yr
MS

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Mississippi leads in 8 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.

  • 2

    Housing: Median home prices are $195,000 in Louisiana vs $165,000 in Mississippi — a $30,000 difference.

  • 3

    Taxes: Louisiana has a 4.25% top income tax rate while Mississippi has a 5% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.55% vs 0.81%.

  • 4

    Cost of Living: Louisiana's index is 91.1 and Mississippi's is 83.3 (national average = 100).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Louisiana or Mississippi more affordable?

Mississippi has a lower cost of living index (83.3) compared to Louisiana (91.1), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.

Which state has lower taxes — Louisiana or Mississippi?

Overall, Louisiana has a lower combined tax burden. Louisiana has a 4.25% top income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Mississippi has a 5% top income tax, 7% sales tax, and 0.81% property tax.

What are housing costs in Louisiana vs Mississippi?

The median home price in Louisiana is $195,000 compared to $165,000 in Mississippi. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $935/month in Louisiana vs $815/month in Mississippi.

Which state is better for starting a business — Louisiana or Mississippi?

LLC filing costs are $100 in Louisiana vs $50 in Mississippi, with annual fees of $35 and $0 respectively. Louisiana's 4.25% top tax rate compared to Mississippi's 5% rate may also factor into your decision.

Should I move from Louisiana to Mississippi?

It depends on your priorities. Mississippi wins in 8 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.

Comparing Louisiana and Mississippi

When deciding between living in Louisiana or Mississippi, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.

Louisiana (LA) has a median household income of $52,295 with a cost of living index of 91.1. Mississippi (MS) has a median household income of $48,610 with a cost of living index of 83.3.

These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Louisiana calculator or Mississippi calculator to model your specific financial scenario.

Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.