Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $900 in Alabama versus $854 in Louisiana. Overall, Louisiana runs roughly 5% cheaper on rent than Alabama, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,687 in Alabama and $49,944 in Louisiana — about 10% higher in Alabama. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
5%
+1.0 pp in Louisiana
Income Tax (top rate)
5.00%
3.00%
+2.0 pp in Alabama
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$900
$854
+5% in Alabama
Median Home Value
$148,500
$224,500
+51% in Louisiana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,687
$49,944
+10% in Alabama
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
63.3°F
68.5°F
+5.2°F in Louisiana
Alabama vs Louisiana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Louisiana?
- Louisiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $854 runs about 5% below Alabama's $900, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in Louisiana?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $36,000 a year in Alabama versus $34,000 in Louisiana.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or Louisiana?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Alabama/Louisiana — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.