Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $854 in Louisiana versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Louisiana runs roughly 29% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $49,944 in Louisiana and $64,017 in Virginia — about 22% higher in Virginia. Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax; Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5%
5.3%
+0.3 pp in Virginia
Income Tax (top rate)
3.00%
5.75%
+2.8 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$854
$1,195
+40% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$224,500
$328,100
+46% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$49,944
$64,017
+28% in Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
68.5°F
59.9°F
+8.6°F in Louisiana
Louisiana vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Louisiana or Virginia?
- Louisiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $854 runs about 29% below Virginia's $1,195, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Louisiana than in Virginia?
- 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 $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Louisiana or Virginia?
- Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Louisiana/Virginia — 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.