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Moving from Montana to Louisiana

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

MT state flag
Living now

Montana

Capital: Helena

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

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

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, but high crime metros.

Louisiana has an overall price level 88.2 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Montana
94.6
Louisiana
88.2
Louisiana has 6.8% lower overall price level
Housing index
Montana
84.6
Louisiana
63.1
Louisiana has 25% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Montana
98.7
Louisiana
93.7
Louisiana has 5.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
Louisiana
98.2
Louisiana has 1.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Montana
13.9 ¢/kWh
Louisiana
14.4 ¢/kWh
Louisiana has 3.9% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Montana
98.9
Louisiana
97.6
Louisiana has 1.3% lower transportation
Median home value
Montana
$425,400
Louisiana
$223,200
Louisiana is 48% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Montana
$1,177/mo
Louisiana
$1,064/mo
Louisiana is 9.6% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 92°F · Winter low 41°F · 216 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Montana
83°F
Louisiana
92°F
Louisiana is 11% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Montana
14°F
Louisiana
41°F
Louisiana is 193% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Montana
44°F
Louisiana
67°F
Louisiana is 53% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Montana
205
Louisiana
216
Louisiana has 5.4% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Montana
15 in
Louisiana
60 in
Louisiana is 292% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Montana
42
Louisiana
59
Louisiana has 40% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Montana
17
Louisiana
7
Louisiana has 59% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Montana
51 in
Louisiana
0 in
Louisiana is 100% less annual snowfall

Get the full MontanaLouisiana 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 Louisiana than Montana?

Louisiana's overall price level is roughly 90.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 95 for Montana, 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?

Montana tops out at 5.65% 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.

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