Moving to Louisiana: Pros and Cons in 2025
If you’re thinking about moving to Louisiana, you’re not alone. The Pelican State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like New Orleans and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.
As much as there is to love about Louisiana, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.
Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Louisiana to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
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Pros & cons of living in Louisiana
Like any big move, relocating to Louisiana comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Pelican State to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of living in LA
- ✓Low cost of living
- ✓Delicious regional food
- ✓Diverse culture
- ✓Fun outdoor activities
- ✓Cajun culture
Cons of living in LA
- ✖Extreme weather
- ✖Pesky wildlife and insects
- ✖Limited economic opportunities
- ✖High crime rate
- ✖Hot humidity
Things to do in Louisiana
Whether you’re moving to Louisiana work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Louisiana has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.
You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.
Popular Attractions in Louisiana
- French Quarter
- Mardi Gras World
- Vermillionville Historic Village
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
- Honey Island Swamp Tour
- Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
- R. W. Norton Art Gallery
- USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial
- Louisiana’s Creole Heritage Site
- Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge
Museums in Louisiana
- The National WWII Museum
- USS Kidd
- Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
- R. W. Norton Art Gallery
- Shreveport Water Works Museum
- LSU Rural Life Museum
- Sci-Port Discovery Center
- Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
- Capitol Park Museum – Louisiana State Museum
- Barksdale Global Power Museum
Parks in Louisiana
- Millennium Park
- Prien Lake Park
- Sam Houston Jones State Park
- Camp Salmen Nature Park
- Lafreniere Park
- New Orleans City Park
- Kiroli Park
- Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park
- Grand Isle State Park
- Veteran’s Memorial Park
Fun facts about Louisiana
Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.
These fun facts about Louisiana, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.
- The influence of early French and Spanish settlers is still present in the culture and food of the state.
- Louisiana State Capitol Building is the tallest state capital in the United States. The building was inaugurated on May 16, 1931. It is 450 feet tall and has 34 stories.
- The nickname of the state “the Pelican State” comes from the many pelicans that used to inhabit the state’s gulf coast.
- The Mississippi River borders and runs through the state.
- The official flag of Louisiana was adopted in 1912, one hundred years after Louisiana became a state.
- In 1823, the first natural gas field was discovered in Louisiana. It was found at a depth of 400 feet.
- The state of Louisiana has been governed under 10 different flags since 1541.
- Between 1682 and 1763 Louisiana was a colony of the kingdom of France.
- Louisiana does not have an official language. English, French, Spanish, and Vietnamese are the languages that are spoken in Louisiana.
- Louisiana leads other U.S. states in the production of crayfish and shrimp.
- Native American tribes such as the Natchez, Bayougoula, and Chitamacha were the first inhabitants of what is now Louisiana.
- The state is also a major producer of soybeans and corn.
Louisiana population and demographics
While you’re thinking about relocating to Louisiana, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Pelican State.
A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.
Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.
Understanding who lives in Louisiana, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.
| Metric | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Population | 4,573,749 |
| Female | 51.1% |
| Male | 48.9% |
| College graduation rate | 26.45% |
| Political leaning | Republican 60.2-38.2 |
| Crime index | 33.77 |
Louisiana weather
Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Louisiana is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.
Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.
Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Louisiana aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.
| Metric | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 60″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ |
Income and cost of living in Louisiana
A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Louisiana.
Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.
The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.
These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Louisiana and make a confident, informed decision about your move.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Manufacturing ($52.2 billion)
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($26 billion)
- Professional and business services ($22.3 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($22.1 billion)
- Retail trade ($16.1 billion)
- Construction ($13.7 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($13.4 billion)
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction ($12.2 billion)
- Finance and insurance ($11.9 billion)
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($11.8 billion
| Metric | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $996 |
| Average home cost | $201,519 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,852 |
| Cost of living index* | 92 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 4.25% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in Louisiana
If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.
Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Louisiana has to offer.
Here are some of the top schools in Louisiana:
- Louisiana State University
- Tulane University
- Loyola University New Orleans
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- University of New Orleans
- Louisiana Tech University
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Southern University and A&M College
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Louisiana State University in Shreveport
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- McNeese State University
- Centenary College of Louisiana
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Louisiana
We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.
If you’re planning on moving to the Pelican State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.
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Cost of moving to Louisiana
Before you take the leap to Louisiana, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.
The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.
To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.
Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.
But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Safeway Moving
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Mayzlin Relocation
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BLVD Moving
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PODS
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American Van Lines
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Cost to bring your car to Louisiana
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Louisiana.
Louisiana car insurance requirements
Louisiana drivers license requirements
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