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Moving from Louisiana to California

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

LA state flag
Living now

Louisiana

Capital: Baton Rouge

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

Distinct culture, food, music, but high crime metros.

CA state flag
Moving to

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.

California has an overall price level 110.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Louisiana
88.2
California
110.7
California has 26% higher overall price level
Housing index
Louisiana
63.1
California
154.3
California has 145% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Louisiana
93.7
California
106.1
California has 13% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Louisiana
98.2
California
101.6
California has 3.4% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Louisiana
14.4 ¢/kWh
California
35.3 ¢/kWh
California has 144% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Louisiana
97.6
California
102.1
California has 4.6% higher transportation
Median home value
Louisiana
$223,200
California
$759,500
California is 240% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Louisiana
$1,064/mo
California
$2,104/mo
California is 98% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Louisiana
92°F
California
84°F
California is 8.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Louisiana
41°F
California
45°F
California is 9.8% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Louisiana
67°F
California
59°F
California is 12% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Louisiana
216
California
258
California has 19% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Louisiana
60 in
California
26 in
California is 57% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Louisiana
59
California
56
California has 5.1% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Louisiana
7
California
302
California has 4214% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Louisiana
0 in
California
16 in

Get the full LouisianaCalifornia report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in California than Louisiana?

California's overall price level is roughly 113 (US avg = 100), vs about 90.6 for Louisiana, 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?

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

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

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

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