Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Illinois to Louisiana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros.

IL state flag
Living now

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

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
Illinois
100.0
Louisiana
88.2
Louisiana has 12% lower overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
Louisiana
63.1
Louisiana has 33% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Louisiana
97.1
Louisiana has 2.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Louisiana
98.2
Louisiana has 1.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Louisiana
14.2 ¢/kWh
Louisiana has 25% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Louisiana
97.6
Louisiana has 2.4% lower transportation
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
Louisiana
$223,200
Louisiana is 20% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Louisiana
$932/mo
Louisiana is 20% 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
Illinois
85°F
Louisiana
92°F
Louisiana is 8.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
Louisiana
41°F
Louisiana is 116% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
Louisiana
67°F
Louisiana is 28% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
Louisiana
216
Louisiana has 14% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
Louisiana
60 in
Louisiana is 49% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
40
Louisiana
76
Louisiana has 90% higher AQI
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
Louisiana
0 in
Louisiana is 100% less annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisLouisiana 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 Illinois?

Louisiana's overall price level is roughly 90.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.4 for Illinois — 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?

Illinois tops out at 4.95% 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.

Related comparisons