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Moving from South Carolina to Louisiana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx. vs. Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros.

SC state flag
Living now

South Carolina

Capital: Columbia

Median household income $63,623 · winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days

Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

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
South Carolina
93.7
Louisiana
88.2
Louisiana has 5.9% lower overall price level
Housing index
South Carolina
80.5
Louisiana
63.1
Louisiana has 22% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
South Carolina
98.4
Louisiana
97.1
Louisiana has 1.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
South Carolina
99.1
Louisiana
98.2
Louisiana has 0.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
South Carolina
16.5 ¢/kWh
Louisiana
14.2 ¢/kWh
Louisiana has 14% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
South Carolina
98.7
Louisiana
97.6
Louisiana has 1.1% lower transportation
Median home value
South Carolina
$299,500
Louisiana
$223,200
Louisiana is 25% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
South Carolina
$1,203/mo
Louisiana
$932/mo
Louisiana is 23% cheaper to rent

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

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

Avg summer high
South Carolina
91°F
Louisiana
92°F
Louisiana is 1.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
South Carolina
33°F
Louisiana
41°F
Louisiana is 24% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
South Carolina
63°F
Louisiana
67°F
Louisiana is 6.7% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
South Carolina
216
Louisiana
216
Annual precipitation
South Carolina
48 in
Louisiana
60 in
Louisiana is 23% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
South Carolina
39
Louisiana
76
Louisiana has 95% higher AQI
Snow / year
South Carolina
1 in
Louisiana
0 in
Louisiana is 100% less annual snowfall

Get the full South CarolinaLouisiana 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 Louisiana than South Carolina?

Louisiana's overall price level is roughly 90.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 94.6 for South Carolina — 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?

South Carolina tops out at 6% 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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