Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,019 in Louisiana versus $1,858 in Washington. Overall, Louisiana runs roughly 45% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,339 in Louisiana and $121,984 in Washington — about 55% higher in Washington. Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5%
6.5%
+1.5 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
3.00%
None
+3.0 pp in Louisiana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,019
$1,858
+82% in Washington
Median Home Value
$296,400
$912,100
+208% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,339
$121,984
+120% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
70.6°F
53.5°F
+17.1°F in Louisiana
Louisiana vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Louisiana or Washington?
- Louisiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,019 runs about 45% below Washington's $1,858, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Louisiana than in Washington?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $41,000 a year in Louisiana versus $74,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Louisiana or Washington?
- Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Louisiana/Washington — 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.