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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 — 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 — 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 (modeled)
Montana
98.7
Louisiana
97.1
Louisiana has 1.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
Louisiana
98.2
Louisiana has 1.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Louisiana
14.2 ¢/kWh
Louisiana has 5.0% 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
$933/mo
Louisiana
$932/mo

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (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
76
Louisiana has 81% higher AQI
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, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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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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