Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Louisiana's overall cost of living index is 93.0 (U.S. average = 100), below the national average mainly due to cheap housing.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Louisiana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 88.2 | 100 |
Housing Costs
Louisiana's housing cost index of 77 reflects home values and rents well below the national average, though insurance costs erode this advantage.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Louisiana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 63.1 | 100 |
Utility Costs
Louisiana's utility cost index is 98, close to the national average, with hot, humid summers driving significant air-conditioning costs.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (South region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU030072610).
| Indicator | Louisiana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 71.5 | 100 |
Food Costs
Louisiana's food and grocery cost index is 97, slightly below the national average despite reliance on imported goods.
Food price index (South region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, South region, annual average (CUUR0300SAF1).
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
| Indicator | Louisiana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 93.7 | 100 |
Healthcare Costs
Louisiana's healthcare cost index is 96, close to the national average, though access varies widely between urban and rural parishes.
Medical care price index (South region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, South region, annual average (CUUR0300SAM).
Transportation Costs
Louisiana's transportation cost index is 94, with a fuel price around $2.95 per gallon, below the national average.
Regular gasoline price
1993–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Gulf Coast region (PADD 3), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R30_DPG).
| Indicator | Louisiana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $3.91 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |