Moving to Louisiana in 2024 can offer significant cost advantages. With a median home price of $224,200, Louisiana’s housing market is 49% below the national average. Additionally, the cost of living for a single person is $2,767—42% lower than the U.S. average.
The Bayou State is also renowned for its iconic festivals like Mardi Gras and its status as the birthplace of jazz. Additionally, cities like Baton Rouge are among the top 10 fastest-growing metro economies in the country. This combination of affordable living and job growth makes Louisiana an attractive destination for relocation.
3 Reasons to Move to Louisiana
Louisiana is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to LA:
| # | Reasons to Move to LA | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Louisiana is 9% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Bayou State aims to add 78,747 jobs by 2032 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Festivals | Louisiana is also known as the “Festival Capital of America”. |
1. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Louisiana is 9% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Louisana’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| New Orleans | $314,500 | $1,380 | $82.6 | $199.99 | $670 |
| Baton Rouge | $200,500 | $1,229 | $64 | $138.70 | $562 |
| Shreveport | $183,200 | $1,345 | $41 | $140.28 | $525 |
| Lafayette | $240,000 | $1,116 | $33.2 | $199.99 | $556 |
2. Employment Opportunities in Louisiana
Louisiana’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Bayou State aims to add 78,747 new jobs by the end of 2032.
- Manufacturing: Louisiana’s manufacturing sector is expected to grow by 8%, adding 10,563 jobs by 2032. Roles related to chemical manufacturing machinery manufacturing are in high demand. Major employers include Dow Chemical, BASF, and ExxonMobil.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: This sector is expected to grow by 9.8%, adding 28,915 jobs by 2032. Top employers include Ochsner Health, LCMC Health, and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.
- Construction: This industry is projected to grow by 11.5%, adding 14,496 jobs by 2032. This growth is primarily due to an increase in heavy and civil engineering construction due to ongoing infrastructure projects and development initiatives.
- Information Technology and Telecommunications: Jobs related to ISPs, search portals, and data processing are expected to grow 11%, adding around 343 jobs by 2032. Top employers include CenturyLink (Lumen), DXC Technology, and IBM.
3. Year-Round Festivals
Louisiana is known as the “Festival Capital of the US”. The state hosts more than 400 festivals each year across its parishes. These festivals 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 year-round.
Cost of Moving to Louisiana 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to LA:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $559 to $4,736
Moving to Louisiana involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Movers in LA typically costs $142 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Louisiana.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $300 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Louisiana.
- When relocating to Louisiana, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in LA is around $389/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Louisiana. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in LA starts at $20. A standard title fee costs $68.50.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Bayou State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $1,500.
- However, if you plan to buy, make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Louisiana in your budget. Popular neighborhoods like the French Quarter have a median home price of $397K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in smaller cities like Bastrop is $149K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Louisiana ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to LA, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Louisiana neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
