Louisiana Cost of Living Calculator
Louisiana scores 91.3 on the C2ER cost of living index (housing 81.3, Q2 2026): $75,000 at the U.S. average equals about $68,475 here; its highest part is other goods and services at 98.2.
| Index | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Composite (sets the equivalent salary) | 91.3 |
| Housing (sets the equivalent rent) | 81.3 |
| Groceries | 95.2 |
| Utilities | 85.8 |
| Transportation | 95.3 |
| Health care | 95.4 |
| Other goods and services | 98.2 |
Source: MERIC Cost of Living Data Series, C2ER (https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series).
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Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index)
Additional Details
Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index, Housing component)
Equivalent Salary Needed
Estimated • Based on your inputs
Salary Difference
-$6,525.00
Detailed Breakdown
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
Louisiana's figures fill the destination side: composite 91.3 for the salary, housing 81.3 for the rent, and 3% flat for the tax line.
How the salary, rent and tax lines are worked out (the same for every state)
Key State Information
Louisiana ranks 16th lowest of the 50 states on the composite index (91.3). Median household income: $60,986 (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, table B19013). Statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent (HUD FY2027): $1,177 a month.
What Louisiana's index does to a salary and a rent
| Salary at the U.S. average | Same buying power in Louisiana | Rent at the U.S. average → in Louisiana | Louisiana income tax on that salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $45,650 | $1,000 → $813 | $995 (2.2%) |
| $75,000 | $68,475 | $1,500 → $1,220 | $1,679 (2.5%) |
| $100,000 | $91,300 | $2,000 → $1,626 | $2,364 (2.6%) |
| $150,000 | $136,950 | $2,500 → $2,032 | $3,734 (2.7%) |
Louisiana 2026 single-filer rates, after Louisiana Department of Revenue — 2025 IT-540 resident instructions (standard deduction, Act 11 of the 2024 Third Extraordinary Session) (tax year 2025).
Louisiana and the states it borders
| State | Its composite / housing | $75,000 there = in Louisiana | $1,500 rent there = in Louisiana | $75,000 in Louisiana = there | Income tax there → here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 89.0 / 76.9 | $76,938 | $1,586 | $73,111 | 3.7% top rate → 3% flat |
| Mississippi | 87.4 / 70.8 | $78,347 | $1,722 | $71,796 | 4% top rate → 3% flat |
| Texas | 90.8 / 77.2 | $75,413 | $1,580 | $74,589 | none on wages → 3% flat |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Louisiana?
Louisiana's composite index is 91.3 for Q2 2026, the 16th lowest of the 50 states. A $75,000 salary at the national average buys what about $68,475 buys in Louisiana.
Which prices are highest and lowest in Louisiana?
Against a U.S. average of 100, Louisiana's highest part is other goods and services (98.2) and its lowest is housing (81.3); none of the six parts is above the national average (C2ER, Q2 2026).
What salary keeps a two-bedroom rent in Louisiana at 30% of income?
About $47,080 a year: Louisiana's FY2027 statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,177 a month, and $14,124 a year is 30% of that salary.