Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Louisiana to Montana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros. vs. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

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 — high crime metros.

MT state flag
Moving to

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

Montana has an overall price level 94.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Louisiana
88.2
Montana
94.6
Montana has 7.3% higher overall price level
Housing index
Louisiana
63.1
Montana
84.6
Montana has 34% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Louisiana
97.1
Montana
98.7
Montana has 1.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Louisiana
98.2
Montana
99.2
Montana has 1.0% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Louisiana
14.2 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 4.8% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Louisiana
97.6
Montana
98.9
Montana has 1.3% higher transportation
Median home value
Louisiana
$223,200
Montana
$425,400
Montana is 91% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Louisiana
$932/mo
Montana
$933/mo

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 83°F · Winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Louisiana
92°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 9.8% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Louisiana
41°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 66% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Louisiana
67°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 34% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Louisiana
216
Montana
205
Montana has 5.1% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Louisiana
60 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 74% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Louisiana
76
Montana
42
Montana has 45% lower AQI
Snow / year
Louisiana
0 in
Montana
51 in

Get the full LouisianaMontana 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 Montana than Louisiana?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (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. Montana tops out at 5.65%.

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

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

Related comparisons