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Moving from California to Louisiana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs. vs. Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros.

CA state flag
Living now

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs.

LA state flag
Moving to

Louisiana

Capital: Baton Rouge

Median household income $57,852 · winter low 41°F · 216 sunny days

Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros.

Louisiana has an overall price level 88.2 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
California
110.7
Louisiana
88.2
Louisiana has 20% lower overall price level
Housing index
California
154.3
Louisiana
63.1
Louisiana has 59% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
California
102.7
Louisiana
97.1
Louisiana has 5.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
California
101.6
Louisiana
98.2
Louisiana has 3.3% lower utilities
Electricity rate
California
33.4 ¢/kWh
Louisiana
14.2 ¢/kWh
Louisiana has 58% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
California
102.1
Louisiana
97.6
Louisiana has 4.4% lower transportation
Median home value
California
$759,500
Louisiana
$223,200
Louisiana is 71% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
California
$1,835/mo
Louisiana
$932/mo
Louisiana is 49% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 92°F · Winter low 41°F · 216 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
California
84°F
Louisiana
92°F
Louisiana is 9.5% more summer highs
Avg winter low
California
45°F
Louisiana
41°F
Louisiana is 8.9% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
California
59°F
Louisiana
67°F
Louisiana is 13% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
California
258
Louisiana
216
Louisiana has 16% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
California
26 in
Louisiana
60 in
Louisiana is 134% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
California
68
Louisiana
76
Louisiana has 12% higher AQI
Snow / year
California
16 in
Louisiana
0 in
Louisiana is 100% less annual snowfall

Get the full CaliforniaLouisiana report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Louisiana than California?

Louisiana's overall price level is roughly 90.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 113 for California — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

California tops out at 13.3% income tax. Louisiana tops out at 3%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Louisiana?

Most Louisiana residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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