Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $854 in Louisiana versus $1,166 in Utah. Overall, Louisiana runs roughly 27% cheaper on rent than Utah, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $49,944 in Louisiana and $74,925 in Utah — about 33% higher in Utah. Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax; Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5%
6.1%
+1.1 pp in Utah
Income Tax (top rate)
3.00%
4.50%
+1.5 pp in Utah
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$854
$1,166
+37% in Utah
Median Home Value
$224,500
$495,700
+121% in Utah
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$49,944
$74,925
+50% in Utah
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
68.5°F
52.8°F
+15.7°F in Louisiana
Louisiana vs Utah — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Louisiana or Utah?
- Louisiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $854 runs about 27% below Utah's $1,166, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Louisiana than in Utah?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $34,000 a year in Louisiana versus $47,000 in Utah.
- Which has lower taxes, Louisiana or Utah?
- Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Louisiana/Utah — 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.