Moving to Louisiana: Pros and Cons in 2025
Planning a move to Louisiana? You’re in good company. The Pelican State attracts people from all walks of life—whether you crave the lively energy of New Orleans or the peaceful vibe of its small towns, you’ll find your ideal place here.
Louisiana has a lot to offer, but before you jump into buying a home and moving, take some time to consider both the pros and cons.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about moving to Louisiana so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
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Pros & cons of living in Louisiana
Relocating to Louisiana has its advantages, but there are a few challenges you’ll want to consider as well.
Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Pelican State to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Pros of living in Louisiana
- ✓Low cost of living
- ✓Delicious regional food
- ✓Diverse culture
- ✓Fun outdoor activities
- ✓Cajun culture
Cons of living in Louisiana
- ✖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 for 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 check out these spots with your family, or use them as a great way to meet new people if you’re flying solo. With so many options, you’re bound to find something that fits your vibe and helps you feel right at home.
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
Every state has a unique vibe, shaped by its history, culture, and the people living there. Discovering local quirks and traditions gives you a true feel for what life’s really like in each place.
Discovering these fun facts about Louisiana gives you a glimpse into what makes the state special—and might just inspire you to move there, too.
- 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
Thinking about moving to Louisiana? Go beyond the numbers and discover what life in the Pelican State really feels like.
Opting for a state with a larger population usually means more job opportunities, entertainment choices, and stronger infrastructure. On the other hand, less populated states tend to offer a quieter lifestyle and a tighter sense of community.
Looking at average education levels can help you gauge job prospects in an area and how easy it is to access schools or colleges. On the other hand, a state’s political makeup often highlights its core values and priorities.
Getting to know who lives in Louisiana, what their day-to-day looks like, and what they value can help you decide if it’s a place where you’ll fit in and feel at home.
| 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
Weather affects daily life in a big way, so it’s wise to factor it in when deciding if Louisiana is the place for you. Checking out the average temperatures and rainfall for each season can help you plan your outdoor time, choose the right gear, and get ready for whatever the weather throws your way.
Blazing summer heat can drive up your energy bills and have you blasting the AC nonstop, while icy winters demand a well-stocked wardrobe and dependable heating. When the snow hits, you could see anything from a light dusting to a major storm that disrupts your plans and daily schedule.
Whether you crave sunshine, cooler weather, or want to steer clear of snowy winters, getting to know Louisiana’s climate will help you decide if it fits your lifestyle.
| Metric | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 60″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ |
Income and cost of living in Louisiana
Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and daily expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical—and budget-friendly—life in Louisiana really is.
Knowing the major industries in the area helps you gauge your job opportunities and long-term career stability. Plus, since housing costs play a major role in deciding whether to rent or buy, they’re a key factor to consider when planning your move.
The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.
These numbers don’t just sit there—they give you a real sense of how your lifestyle compares to what Louisiana offers, so you can move with confidence and all the facts you need.
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 is a key factor in your decision to move, a state’s academic institutions can say a lot about its career paths 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
After looking at 2,756 moving companies—including 23 right here in Louisiana—we teamed up with real people to pinpoint the very best movers nationwide.
If you’re getting ready to move to the Pelican State, check out the top moving companies that can get your stuff safely to your new place—no matter where you’re moving from.
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Cost of moving to Louisiana
Before you head to Louisiana, it’s a good idea to budget for your moving costs. On average, you’ll pay about $136 per hour for professional movers. The total price depends on how much stuff you’re moving and how far you’re going—long-distance moves will cost more than quick hops within the state.
How you choose to move plays a big role in how much you’ll spend.
If you’re looking to save money on your move, consider using one of the top moving container companies. You handle the packing and loading on your own schedule, while the company manages all the driving—giving you a perfect mix of flexibility and cost savings without going fully DIY or hiring a pricey full-service crew.
Want to save money? Getting a moving truck rental is your most affordable option. You’ll take care of everything yourself, from packing and loading to driving and unloading.
If you’d rather avoid the hassle of moving yourself, professional interstate movers can take care of it all. Just keep in mind, this kind of convenience can come at a higher price—so it’s a good idea to compare quotes from several companies to find the best option for your wallet and your 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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