Thinking of moving to Louisiana? The state has a $244.4 billion economy, with growing jobs in the retail, healthcare, and finance sectors. Plus, with its low cost of living, Gulf Coast lifestyle, and never-ending festivals, it’s the perfect place to relocate in 2025.
But the move comes with trade-offs. Being a coastal state, Louisiana faces a high risk of hurricanes and floods. Still, many are choosing cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport for their lower living costs and better quality of life.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Louisiana has a massive $244.4 billion economy, with growing jobs in the retail, healthcare, and finance sectors.
- The state is expected to add 78,747 new jobs by the end of 2032.
- The cost of living in Louisiana is 7% lower than the national average. Renting a house is also 24% less expensive.
- Expect to pay between $2,200 and $6,400 for your move, depending on how far you’re moving and the size of your belongings.
- The climate in Louisiana is subtropical. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild.
3 Reasons to Move to Louisiana
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Louisiana, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Affordable Housing
Louisiana ranks among the top 10 states with the most affordable housing in the US. Buying a house in Louisiana costs around $212K, which is 42% less than the national average. Rent in Louisiana also costs 24% lower than the national average.
Recent trends show that 28% of the listed homes have seen a price drop. Moreover, a property spends as long as 74 days in the market, compared to the US average of 56 days. These market conditions give buyers more negotiating power to secure a better deal.
2. Jobs in Louisiana
The Bayou State has over 114,000 new job openings in 2025. Retail, healthcare, and finance are among the fastest-growing job sectors.
- Retail Trade: The retail sector in Louisiana contributes around $60 billion to the state’s GDP, and supports 466,100 direct jobs across the state. Roles like retail sales associate, customer service, assistant manager, and stocking supervisor are in high demand.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: The healthcare and social assistance sector in Louisiana generates $38.4 billion, and supports over 320,000 jobs across the state. High-demand roles include registered nurses, physician assistants, and physical therapists.
- Finance: On average, a finance worker in Louisiana makes around $79,000 yearly. Financial analysts, accountants, financial managers, and risk managers are in high demand.
3. Year-Round Festivals
Louisiana is known as the “Festival Capital of the US”. The state hosts more than 400 festivals each year. These events celebrate local cultures and histories, such as the Creole Heritage Celebration and Cajun Festivals.
Festivals take place year-round, across all seasons, from the winter Mardi Gras to the summer Louisiana Seafood Festival. This is made possible by the state’s subtropical climate, which supports outdoor events all year-round.
Pros and Cons of Living in Louisiana
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of living in Louisiana:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. You will have easy access to a growing job market, with jobs in the retail, healthcare, and finance sectors. | 1. Louisiana is located in the infamous Tornado Alley, so it’s a high-risk state for tornadoes and flooding. |
| 2. The cost of living in Louisiana is 7% below the national average. Housing costs are also significantly lower. | 2. Louisiana has one of the highest sales tax burdens in the country. |
| 3. With a 3% flat income tax rate, Louisiana has one of the lowest income tax rates in the US. | 3. Public transportation in Louisiana is sparse outside of major cities. Owning a car for daily errands is a necessity here. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Louisiana 📌
Here are some things to keep in mind before relocating to Louisiana:
1. Cost of Living in Louisiana
The cost of living in Louisiana is 7% lower than the national average. This means you’ll spend less on daily expenses like utilities, food, and healthcare. However, transportation is 9% more expensive than the national average.
Louisiana is still an attractive option compared to popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 58% and 30% above the national average.
2. Infrastructure and Transportation
Louisiana lags behind in infrastructural development. 46% of the roads in the state are in poor condition, and nearly 13% of bridges are structurally deficient. The state also needs over $9 billion to upgrade its current drinking water infrastructure.
Despite all the challenges it faces, Louisiana is actively working to improve its infrastructure. The state has invested $7.9 billion in federal funding under Bipartisan laws across 427 infrastructure projects.
3. Climate in Louisiana
The climate in Louisiana is subtropical. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 69°F to 88°F. On the other hand, winters are mild, with temperatures between 23°F and 38°F. Additionally, the state receives precipitation throughout the year.
As a coastal state, Louisiana is vulnerable to hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding. Plus, it is a part of the infamous Tornado Alley, making it prone to tornadoes. It’s crucial to check the FEMA-designated risk zones and local guidelines before moving to Louisiana.
4. Laws and Regulations
- Vehicle and Driver’s License Registration: After moving to Louisiana, you have to get your vehicle registered and obtain a Louisiana driver’s license within 30 days. You will need proof of residency, insurance, and title documents for registration.
- Moving to Louisiana with a Gun: No permits are required to purchase and carry a firearm in Louisiana for those aged 18 years or above. While the permits are not mandatory, they are useful when you carry your firearm to another state.
- Recreational Marijuana: Use of marijuana for recreational purposes is not legal in Louisiana. Possession of any amount can attract between $100 and $5,000 in penalties, and up to 8 years in jail.
- Pet Registration Laws: There are no statewide pet registration laws in Louisiana. However, cities often have local laws requiring pet registration and vaccination. Visit your city website to find out if your area has any such requirements.
5. Tax Burden in Louisiana
Louisiana has one of the lowest individual income tax burdens in 2025. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Louisiana’s primary tax burden:
- Income Tax in Louisiana: With a flat state individual income tax rate of 3%, Louisiana has one of the lowest state income tax burdens in the country. Plus, the state does not allow cities to impose any local income taxes.
- Sales Tax in Louisiana: Louisiana levies 5% state sales tax. However, cities often levy a local sales tax, which can go as high as 7%. This makes the average combined sales tax rate in Louisiana 10.11%, one of the highest in the country.
- Property Taxes in Louisiana: Louisiana levies a 0.51% state property tax. Additionally, cities also levy a local property tax, which makes the combined property tax rate 0.77%.
How to Move to Louisiana?
Before buying a house in Louisiana, follow this step-by-step guide for a seamless move:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you want to skip all the heavy lifting, consider hiring a professional mover. You can expect to pay around $142 per hour. However, this amount can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- If you want to DIY, renting a truck is a better option. The average cost to rent a mid-sized truck with a load capacity of 4,000 to 6,000 lbs ranges between $40 and $80 per day. Be sure to factor in additional charges for mileage, fuel, and insurance.
2. How to Set Up Utilities in Louisiana?
Setting up your utilities in Louisiana is a straightforward process:
- Electricity and Gas: Entergy Louisiana is the largest electricity service provider in Louisiana, while Atmos Energy supplies natural gas to most areas in the state. You can visit their websites to check availability in your area.
- Water and Sewer: Drinking water and sewer services in Louisiana are typically provided by the local municipalities, along with a few local service providers. Visit your city website to find out about service providers in your city.
- Internet and Cable: Cox, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Spectrum are among the largest service providers in Louisiana. On average, internet and cable connections cost between $20 and $80 per month.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in Schools in Louisiana?
Most schools in Louisiana offer online registration:
- For Kindergarten: Children must be at least 5 years old for kindergarten enrollment, and 6 years old for enrollment in first grade by September 30. You will need the child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, proof of residency, and a photo ID.
- For Older Kids: You will need all the above-mentioned documents, in addition to transcripts and a withdrawal form from their previous school. If your kids are high school athletes, check their eligibility to play first to avoid any complications.
- Transfers and Special Cases: These are typically managed by the local school districts. You can visit their website or contact the school district office for assistance in the enrollment process.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- Work From Home: 13% of people Louisiana employees work from their homes. If you are someone who works remotely, just ask your employer about the state-specific tax and employment laws.
- Find a New Job: The HiRE (Helping Individuals Reach Employment) is a state-funded platform that provides job search assistance and free online courses. You can also visit job portals like Indeed and LinkedIn to search and apply for jobs in your city.
5. How to Find the Perfect House?
The Louisiana housing market leans in favor of buyers. 28.7% listed homes have seen price drops, which gives buyers more negotiating power to secure better deals.
- In popular cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport, the average rent is around $1,600. This depends on nearby amenities and the neighborhood you are moving to.
- If you plan to buy a home in a popular city, homes for sale in New Orleans cost around $244K. On the other hand, cities like Bastrop and Bogalusa offer more affordable options, with median home prices of $86K and $85K respectively.
Should I Move to Louisiana?
Yes, you should definitely move to Louisiana. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Louisiana isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Louisiana’s best home-buying website, buying a house in the Bayou State is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Louisiana, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent, Median home price
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates, Average cost of moving
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Louisiana, long before the moving boxes are packed.
