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Moving from Virginia to Louisiana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge. vs. Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros.

VA state flag
Living now

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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
Virginia
101.1
Louisiana
88.2
Louisiana has 13% lower overall price level
Housing index
Virginia
106.8
Louisiana
63.1
Louisiana has 41% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Virginia
100.3
Louisiana
97.1
Louisiana has 3.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Louisiana
98.2
Louisiana has 1.9% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Louisiana
14.2 ¢/kWh
Louisiana has 17% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Louisiana
97.6
Louisiana has 2.6% lower transportation
Median home value
Virginia
$403,500
Louisiana
$223,200
Louisiana is 45% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Louisiana
$932/mo
Louisiana is 39% 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
Virginia
87°F
Louisiana
92°F
Louisiana is 5.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Virginia
28°F
Louisiana
41°F
Louisiana is 46% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Virginia
56°F
Louisiana
67°F
Louisiana is 20% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Virginia
208
Louisiana
216
Louisiana has 3.8% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
44 in
Louisiana
60 in
Louisiana is 35% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Virginia
41
Louisiana
76
Louisiana has 85% higher AQI
Snow / year
Virginia
15 in
Louisiana
0 in
Louisiana is 100% less annual snowfall

Get the full VirginiaLouisiana 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 Virginia?

Louisiana's overall price level is roughly 90.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.4 for Virginia — 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?

Virginia tops out at 5.75% 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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