State Comparison

Louisiana vs Texas

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

7
Louisiana
LA
2 tied
of 16 metrics
7
Texas
TX

Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index
LA: 91.1
TX: 93.9
LA

Housing

Median Home Price
LA: $195,000
TX: $310,000
LA
Median 2BR Rent
LA: $935/mo
TX: $1,275/mo
LA
Closing Costs
LA: 2.80%
TX: 2.50%
TX
Transfer Tax Rate
LA: 0.00%
TX: 0.00%
Tie

Taxes

Property Tax Rate
LA: 0.55%
TX: 1.80%
LA
Top Income Tax Rate
LA: 4.25%
TX: None
TX
Sales Tax Rate
LA: 4.45%
TX: 6.25%
LA
Capital Gains Tax Rate
LA: 4.25%
TX: None
TX

Income & Employment

Median Household Income
LA: $52,295
TX: $67,321
TX
Minimum Wage
LA: $7.25/hr
TX: $7.25/hr
Tie
Max Unemployment Benefit
LA: $247/wk
TX: $521/wk
TX

Business

LLC Filing Fee
LA: $100
TX: $300
LA
LLC Annual Fee
LA: $35
TX: $0
TX

Insurance & Living

Avg Car Insurance
LA: $2,840/yr
TX: $2,150/yr
TX
Avg Home Insurance
LA: $3,200/yr
TX: $3,600/yr
LA

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Both states are evenly matched, each winning in 7 metrics — your decision should depend on which factors matter most to you.

  • 2

    Housing: Median home prices are $195,000 in Louisiana vs $310,000 in Texas — a $115,000 difference.

  • 3

    Taxes: Louisiana has a 4.25% top income tax rate while Texas has no income tax. Property tax rates are 0.55% vs 1.8%.

  • 4

    Cost of Living: Louisiana's index is 91.1 and Texas's is 93.9 (national average = 100).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Louisiana or Texas more affordable?

Louisiana has a lower cost of living index (91.1) compared to Texas (93.9), 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 Texas?

Overall, Texas has a lower combined tax burden. Louisiana has a 4.25% top income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Texas has no income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.8% property tax.

What are housing costs in Louisiana vs Texas?

The median home price in Louisiana is $195,000 compared to $310,000 in Texas. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $935/month in Louisiana vs $1,275/month in Texas.

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

LLC filing costs are $100 in Louisiana vs $300 in Texas, with annual fees of $35 and $0 respectively. Louisiana's 4.25% top tax rate compared to Texas's tax-free status may also factor into your decision.

Should I move from Louisiana to Texas?

It depends on your priorities. Texas wins in 7 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 Texas

When deciding between living in Louisiana or Texas, 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. Texas (TX) has a median household income of $67,321 with a cost of living index of 93.9.

These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Louisiana calculator or Texas 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.