Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $963 in Indiana versus $1,019 in Louisiana. Overall, Indiana runs roughly 5% cheaper on rent than Louisiana, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $62,995 in Indiana and $55,339 in Louisiana — about 12% higher in Indiana. Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax; Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
7%
5%
+2.0 pp in Indiana
Income Tax (top rate)
2.95%
3.00%
+0.0 pp in Louisiana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$963
$1,019
+6% in Louisiana
Median Home Value
$207,000
$296,400
+43% in Louisiana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$62,995
$55,339
+12% in Indiana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
53.2°F
70.6°F
+17.4°F in Louisiana
Indiana vs Louisiana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Indiana or Louisiana?
- Indiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $963 runs about 5% below Louisiana's $1,019, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Indiana 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 $39,000 a year in Indiana versus $41,000 in Louisiana.
- Which has lower taxes, Indiana or Louisiana?
- Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% 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 1/1 cities we track in Indiana/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.