Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,305 in Colorado versus $1,019 in Louisiana. Overall, Louisiana runs roughly 22% cheaper on rent than Colorado, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,364 in Colorado and $55,339 in Louisiana — about 35% higher in Colorado. Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax; Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
2.9%
5%
+2.1 pp in Louisiana
Income Tax (top rate)
4.40%
3.00%
+1.4 pp in Colorado
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,305
$1,019
+22% in Colorado
Median Home Value
$586,700
$296,400
+49% in Colorado
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,364
$55,339
+35% in Colorado
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.2°F
70.6°F
+20.4°F in Louisiana
Colorado vs Louisiana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Louisiana?
- Louisiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,019 runs about 22% below Colorado's $1,305, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Colorado 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 $52,000 a year in Colorado versus $41,000 in Louisiana.
- Which has lower taxes, Colorado or Louisiana?
- Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% 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 Colorado/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.