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Moving from Louisiana to Montana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Distinct culture, food, music, but 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, but 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
93.7
Montana
98.7
Montana has 5.3% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Louisiana
98.2
Montana
99.2
Montana has 1.0% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Louisiana
14.4 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.9 ¢/kWh
Montana has 3.7% 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
$1,064/mo
Montana
$1,177/mo
Montana is 11% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · USGS (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
59
Montana
42
Montana has 29% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Louisiana
7
Montana
17
Montana has 143% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Louisiana
0 in
Montana
51 in

Get the full LouisianaMontana 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 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.

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