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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Louisiana: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA April–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

11.8% below

Cost of living in Louisiana is 11.8% below the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for Louisiana (index 88.2; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Louisiana is $1,064 a month.

Cost of living in Louisiana by category

Overall prices

88.2U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

−11.8% vs. U.S.

Goods
93.7 −6.3%
Housing (rents)
63.1 −36.9%
Utilities
71.5 −28.5%
Other services
95.7 −4.3%

BEA 2024 · Louisiana Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,064/mo

Median gross rent

−28% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$932 −28% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,041 −30% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,219 −27% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$223,200 −38% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$1,650 −19% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$156/mo

Average electric bill

About the same as U.S.

Electricity price
12.7¢/kWh −31% vs. U.S.
Natural gas
$25.19/Mcf −5% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
71.5

EIA July 2026 · Louisiana Details: Utilities

Transportation

26.2min

Mean travel time to work

−4% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
78.3%
Work from home
8%
Gasoline (PADD 3 avg.)
$3.86/gal −11% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$143/wk

Center care, infant

−17% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$140/wk −9% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$137/wk −5% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$133/wk −7% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Louisiana county median Details: Child care

Income

$60,986/yr

Median household income

−25% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
21%
Home value to income
3.7×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Louisiana

Median gross rent in Louisiana is $1,064 a month, 28% below the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,000–$1,249 range, which holds 21% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 34.4% pay $1,250 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $223,200, and 1.3% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Louisiana vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Louisiana: $1,064; U.S.: $1,487 Louisiana $1,064 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Louisiana: $1,650; U.S.: $2,035 Louisiana $1,650 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Louisiana: $223,200; U.S.: $360,600 Louisiana $223,200 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureLouisianaU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,064$1,487
Monthly owner costs$1,650$2,035
Median home value$223,200$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in Louisiana

What renters pay in Louisiana Share of renter households paying cash rent in Louisiana by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 9.4%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 0.8%. Median $1,064. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 9.4% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 12.3% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 22.8% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 21% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 14.8% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 13.7% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 4% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 0.9% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 0.2% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 0.8% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,064 (Louisiana) 22.8%
Show the data table
RangeLouisianaU.S.
Less than $5009.4%6.1%
$500–$74912.3%6.8%
$750–$99922.8%11.5%
$1,000–$1,24921%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49914.8%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99913.7%22.2%
$2,000–$2,4994%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9990.9%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4990.2%3.2%
$3,500 or more0.8%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in Louisiana

Home values in Louisiana Share of owner-occupied homes in Louisiana by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 19.4%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 0.6%. Median $223,200. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than $100,000: 19.4% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 10.5% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 13.6% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 13.9% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 11.9% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 14.1% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 7.1% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 6.2% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 1.9% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 0.7% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 0.6% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $223,200 (Louisiana) 19.4%
Show the data table
RangeLouisianaU.S.
Less than $100,00019.4%10.2%
$100,000–$149,99910.5%5.7%
$150,000–$199,99913.6%7.5%
$200,000–$249,99913.9%8.4%
$250,000–$299,99911.9%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99914.1%15.9%
$400,000–$499,9997.1%12%
$500,000–$749,9996.2%16.3%
$750,000–$999,9991.9%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9990.7%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more0.6%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Louisiana

Measure Louisiana U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,064$1,487
1-bedroom rent $932$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,041$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,219$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $1,650$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Louisiana?

At the median, rent takes about 21% of household income in Louisiana. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $42,600 a year.

The median home is worth $223,200, or 3.7 times the median household income.

Household income in Louisiana

The median household in Louisiana earns $60,986 a year, 25% below the U.S. median of $81,604. About 8% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 22.2% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Louisiana vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Louisiana: $60,986; U.S.: $81,604 Louisiana $60,986 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureLouisianaU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$60,986$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Louisiana

Household income distribution in Louisiana Share of households in Louisiana by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 7.5%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 8%. Median $60,986. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than $10,000: 7.5% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 5.4% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 4.3% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 5% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 4% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 4.1% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 4.1% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 3.9% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 3.5% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 7.4% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 9.1% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 11.4% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 9.1% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 6.1% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 7.1% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 8% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $60,986 (Louisiana) 11.4%
Show the data table
RangeLouisianaU.S.
Less than $10,0007.5%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9995.4%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9994.3%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9995%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9994%3%
$30,000–$34,9994.1%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9994.1%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9993.9%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9993.5%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9997.4%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9999.1%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99911.4%12.6%
$100,000–$124,9999.1%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9996.1%7.4%
$150,000–$199,9997.1%9.7%
$200,000 or more8%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Louisiana U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $60,986$81,604
Median home value $223,200$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, Louisiana scored 88.2 for all items. The highest category is other services at 95.7; the lowest is housing rents at 63.1.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Louisiana: 88.2; U.S.: 100.0 Louisiana 88.2 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Louisiana: 93.7; U.S.: 99.6 Louisiana 93.7 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Louisiana: 63.1; U.S.: 100.6 Louisiana 63.1 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Louisiana: 71.5; U.S.: 98.4 Louisiana 71.5 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Louisiana: 95.7; U.S.: 100.1 Louisiana 95.7 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureLouisianaU.S.
All items88.2100.0
Goods93.799.6
Housing (rents)63.1100.6
Utilities71.598.4
Other services95.7100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Louisiana paid an average of 12.7¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $156 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $25.19 per thousand cubic feet in April 2026 (U.S.: $26.45).

Energy prices: Louisiana vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Louisiana: 12.7¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Louisiana 12.7¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Louisiana: $156; U.S.: $157 Louisiana $156 U.S. $157

Natural gas ($/Mcf)

Natural gas ($/Mcf) Louisiana: $25.19; U.S.: $26.45 Louisiana $25.19 U.S. $26.45
Show the data table
MeasureLouisianaU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)12.7¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$156$157
Natural gas ($/Mcf)$25.19$26.45

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill is a 12-month average. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Louisiana who commute spend an average of 26.2 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (78.3% of workers); 8% work from home. Gasoline in the Gulf Coast region (PADD 3), which includes Louisiana, averaged $3.86 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate Louisiana price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work Louisiana: Drove alone 78.3%, Carpooled 9.3%, Public transit 0.9%, Walked 1.7%, Bicycle 0.4%, Worked from home 8%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.5%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in Louisiana: Drove alone. Louisiana Louisiana · Drove alone: 78.3% 78.3% Louisiana · Carpooled: 9.3% Louisiana · Public transit: 0.9% Louisiana · Walked: 1.7% Louisiana · Bicycle: 0.4% Louisiana · Worked from home: 8% Louisiana · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.5% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationLouisianaU.S.
Drove alone78.3%69.2%
Carpooled9.3%9.2%
Public transit0.9%3.7%
Walked1.7%2.4%
Bicycle0.4%0.5%
Worked from home8%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)1.5%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in Louisiana

Travel time to work in Louisiana Share of workers who do not work from home in Louisiana by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 3.2%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 3%. Mean 26.2 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than 5 min: 3.2% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 9.6% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 14.8% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 16.9% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 14.3% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 5.9% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 13.9% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 2.6% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 3% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 7.2% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 5.5% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 3% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 26.2 min (Louisiana) 16.9%
Show the data table
RangeLouisianaU.S.
Less than 5 min3.2%2.8%
5–9 min9.6%9.4%
10–14 min14.8%13.1%
15–19 min16.9%15%
20–24 min14.3%14.1%
25–29 min5.9%7%
30–34 min13.9%13.7%
35–39 min2.6%3.4%
40–44 min3%4.1%
45–59 min7.2%8.3%
60–89 min5.5%6.3%
90 min or more3%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Louisiana

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $143 a week in the median Louisiana county, or $7,453 over 52 weeks. That is 17% below the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care Louisiana (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $143$174
Center-based care, toddler $140$153
Center-based care, preschool $137$144
Center-based care, school-age $126$120
Home-based family care, infant $133$143
Home-based family care, toddler $133$132
Home-based family care, preschool $133$131
Home-based family care, school-age $115$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than Louisiana prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Louisiana?

Median rent is $932 for a one-bedroom and $1,041 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Louisiana?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 44.5% pay less than $1,000 a month, 49.5% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 5.9% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in Louisiana?

To keep the median rent of $1,064 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $42,600 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Louisiana more expensive than the U.S. average?

No. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in Louisiana at 88.2 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 11.8% below average. Housing rents score 63.1.

How long is the average commute in Louisiana?

26.2 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Louisiana?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $143 a week in the median Louisiana county in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.