Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $1,019 in Louisiana. Overall, Louisiana runs roughly 19% cheaper on rent than Arizona, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $55,339 in Louisiana — about 28% higher in Arizona. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
5%
+0.6 pp in Arizona
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
3.00%
+0.5 pp in Louisiana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$1,019
+19% in Arizona
Median Home Value
$364,300
$296,400
+19% in Arizona
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$55,339
+28% in Arizona
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
70.6°F
+4.5°F in Arizona
Arizona vs Louisiana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Louisiana?
- Louisiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,019 runs about 19% below Arizona's $1,253, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona 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 $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $41,000 in Louisiana.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Louisiana?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% 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 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/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.