Arkansas vs Louisiana Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,241
in Arkansas
$80,732
in Louisiana
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Arkansas | Louisiana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 78.8 | 84.5 | -7% |
| Groceries | 94.3 | 96.4 | -2% |
| Utilities | 94.3 | 83.6 | +13% |
| Transportation | 90.7 | 97.3 | -7% |
| Healthcare | 87.3 | 93.4 | -7% |
| Dining & Misc | 97.5 | 100.0 | -2% |
| Overall | 90.1 | 92.9 | -3% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Arkansas.
What things actually cost
| Item | Arkansas | Louisiana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $195,000 | $210,000 | $15,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,103/mo | $1,183/mo | $80 |
| Gas price | $3.05/gal | $3.11/gal | $0.06 |
| Electric bill | $85/mo | $78/mo | +$7 |
| Infant childcare | $8,873/yr | $8,873/yr | $0 |
Salary equivalent: Arkansas → Louisiana
What a Arkansas salary buys you in Louisiana, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Arkansas | Equivalent in Louisiana | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,554 | $-1,554 |
| $75,000 | $77,331 | $-2,331 |
| $100,000 | $103,108 | $-3,108 |
| $150,000 | $154,661 | $-4,661 |
| $200,000 | $206,215 | $-6,215 |
Positive = your money goes further in Louisiana. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Louisiana is 3% more expensive than Arkansas overall. Louisiana has an index of 92.9 vs 90.1 for Arkansas (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Louisiana?
Arkansas is cheaper to live in. Louisiana is 3% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $195,000 in Arkansas vs $210,000 in Louisiana.
Is Arkansas cheaper than Louisiana?
Yes, Arkansas is 3% cheaper than Louisiana overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Louisiana more expensive than Arkansas?
Yes, Louisiana is 3% more expensive than Arkansas based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Louisiana equals $100,000 in Arkansas?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Arkansas, you would need approximately $103,108 in Louisiana. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (90.1 vs 92.9).
How do housing costs compare between Arkansas and Louisiana?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Arkansas. Median home prices are $195,000 in Arkansas vs $210,000 in Louisiana — a $15,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,103/mo vs $1,183/mo.
What costs more in Arkansas vs Louisiana?
Utilities is 13% higher in Arkansas (index 94.3 vs 83.6). Transportation is 7% lower in Arkansas (index 90.7 vs 97.3). Healthcare is 7% lower in Arkansas (index 87.3 vs 93.4).
Is gas cheaper in Arkansas or Louisiana?
Gas averages $3.05/gallon in Arkansas and $3.11/gallon in Louisiana — a $0.06 difference per gallon.
Arkansas vs Louisiana cost of living — how do they compare?
Arkansas has an overall cost-of-living index of 90.1 and Louisiana has 92.9 (national average = 100). Louisiana is 3% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Louisiana?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Arkansas vs Louisiana paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Arkansas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Louisiana Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Arkansas vs Louisiana Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Arkansas — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Louisiana — How much house can you afford?
- Arkansas Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Louisiana Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Arkansas Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.