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Moving from Louisiana to Washington

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros. vs. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

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.

WA state flag
Moving to

Washington

Capital: Olympia

Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days

Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

Washington has an overall price level 107.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Louisiana
88.2
Washington
107.0
Washington has 21% higher overall price level
Housing index
Louisiana
63.1
Washington
126.0
Washington has 100% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Louisiana
97.1
Washington
101.8
Washington has 4.8% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Louisiana
98.2
Washington
101.1
Washington has 2.9% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Louisiana
14.2 ¢/kWh
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Washington has 1.7% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Louisiana
97.6
Washington
101.4
Washington has 3.9% higher transportation
Median home value
Louisiana
$223,200
Washington
$602,200
Washington is 170% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Louisiana
$932/mo
Washington
$1,641/mo
Washington is 76% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Louisiana
92°F
Washington
79°F
Washington is 14% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Louisiana
41°F
Washington
35°F
Washington is 15% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Louisiana
67°F
Washington
50°F
Washington is 25% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Louisiana
216
Washington
152
Washington has 30% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Louisiana
60 in
Washington
40 in
Washington is 33% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Louisiana
76
Washington
39
Washington has 49% lower AQI
Snow / year
Louisiana
0 in
Washington
29 in

Get the full LouisianaWashington 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 Washington than Louisiana?

Washington's overall price level is roughly 105.8 (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. Washington tops out at 0%.

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

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

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