Louisiana is a state in the Deep South and South Central areas of the United States.
It is the 19th-smallest by area and the 25th most populous of the fifty U.S. states.
Furthermore, it is the 31st most extensive of all states in the nation.
But, what is more interesting, is that The Pelican State (as a nickname for Louisiana) has an affordable cost of living.
In the text below, you can read everything about the cost of living in this state and which cities are the most expensive for living here.
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Cost of Living in Louisiana
Louisiana and its citizens are supposed to be entertaining and always up for having fun.
Furthermore, the culture of this state includes its music, food, religion, clothing, language, architecture, art, literature, games, and sports.
Usually, these elements are the basis for one of the many festivals in the state, such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Bayou Country Superfest, and the most famous, Mardi Gras.
So, we can sum up that this state has a little bit of something for everyone while offering plenty of things to do and places to see.
But, what is the most engaging about Louisiana is her lower living cost than the US average.
Living in Louisiana is less expensive than it is on average across the United States as a whole.
Housing and Utility Costs
Louisiana is among the country’s leading oil and gas producing states.
Housing is one of the crucial components of the cost of living.
In this state, the typical home is worth $170,900, which is much less than the national average home value.
What you pay for a home varies from city to city, but the average price for the state is generally $170,900.
If you prefer to rent versus buy, the average rent per month in Louisiana is $1,100.
However, it depends on the apartment size and location.
For example, the average rent for a studio is $650 per month, for a One-Bedroom is $850, while for a two-Bedroom is $1000.
As for utility costs in Louisiana, we can underline the most important segments.
Utility average cost per month for electricity is $115, a basic internet plan is $20, and the natural gas is $55.
Food Costs
The influence of early French and Spanish settlers is still present in the so tasty food of the state.
Specialties such as Cayenne pepper, Tony Chachere’s, Tabasco sauce, and Zatarain’s are a big plus of Louisiana.
Usually, these meals are prevalent factors you might end up dining out often.
The restaurant prices are not so unreasonable.
Besides, who cares about the prices when you have so delicious traditional food?
Costs of Popular Louisiana Attractions
Since Louisiana has tons of outdoor activities, family-friendly places, museums, and sporting events, here are the average ticker prices for some of the state’s most popular attractions.
In National WWII Museum in New Orleans, the ticket for entrees is from 35$ up.
In the NFL Saints Game at Superdome, New Orleans, the ticket price is around $260, while in USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial in Baton Rouge is above $13.
But, there are also some of the most famous events, like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, which are free.
Plus, there are many beautiful parks and certain days when access to museums is free.
The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State
New Orleans
New Orleans’s housing expenses are 4% higher than the national average.
The average home price is $340,858, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment per month is around $1000 to $1600.
Moreover, transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 6% higher than the national average.
The gas price per gallon is $3.
On the other side, the utility prices are 14% lower than the national average.
Accordingly, a loaf of bread in the supermarket is $3.50, a gallon of milk – $2.10, and a carton of eggs is $1.99.
Yet, not only the utility prices are lower in this city.
Healthcare in New Orleans is also much lower than the national average.
Comparatively, one doctor’s visit in this city would cost you less than $95, which is a totally reasonable price.
A dentist visit is around $70.
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana, located on the bank of the Mississippi.
This city is home to the Louisiana State Capitol building, and it is full of other tourist destinations, community spirit, vibrant nightlife, and rich history.
So, despite the high cost of living in this wonderful Louisiana City, you will love spending time here.
The average home price is $302,584, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment per month is around $950 to $1300.
What makes this city most expensive is its food prices in supermarkets.
As an illustration, a loaf of bread in the local market is above $3.50, a gallon of milk is more than $2.50, and a carton of eggs is enormous $2.30.
Also, healthcare in Baton Rouge is 15% higher than the national average.
While in New Orleans, these costs are low costed, in Baton Rouge are not the same.
For one doctor’s visit, you should expect to pay around $130, while for a dentist’s visit – $110.
Shreveport
Northwest Louisiana, the Shreveport-Bossier area, in particular, is a charming place.
Outside of New Orleans, you’d be hard-pressed to find an area in the state with more history or culture.
From famous natives to haunted houses to movie trivia, this area is full of all kinds of fun experiences and history.
But, this city also is ranked as one of the most expensive cities in Louisiana.
And here are the main reasons.
If you want to stay fit in this city, joining in fitness club per month for one adult is fascinating $46.
The other prices are pretty the same as in previously mentioned cities.
Metairie
What makes this city the most fascinating and meantime the most expensive city is – shopping malls.
Metairie is home to Lakeside Shopping Center, the highest-grossing mall in the state.
You can find everything modern and fashionable but at a really huge price.
Also, Metairie’s housing expenses are 3% higher than the national average.
Furthermore, transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 5% higher than the national average.
The average home price is around $350.000, which is pretty expensive as in New Orleans.
Lafayette
The most attractive fact about this city is that Lafayette has more restaurants than any other city in America.
Residents and visitors here can find a varied selection of cuisine, including Creole, Cajun, Mediterranean, Italian, Japanese, French, Southern Barbecue, and classic southern comfort food.
But, here we go with the overpriced costs.
A meal for only one person in a restaurant is above $18, and a dinner for two people is $50.
While living costs are a bit higher for some categories, especially housing, health, utilities – transportation are lower than in other cities in this state.
For a one-way local transport ticket, you will pay $1.00, and a monthly pass is around $35.00.
Louisiana Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Louisiana Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Additional Resources
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