Louisiana vs South Carolina Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$80,732
in Louisiana
$80,906
in South Carolina
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 | Louisiana | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 84.5 | 80.6 | +5% |
| Groceries | 96.4 | 99.0 | -3% |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 96.9 | -14% |
| Transportation | 97.3 | 96.4 | +1% |
| Healthcare | 93.4 | 94.2 | -1% |
| Dining & Misc | 100.0 | 98.2 | +2% |
| Overall | 92.9 | 92.7 | 0% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Louisiana.
What things actually cost
| Item | Louisiana | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $210,000 | $285,000 | $75,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,183/mo | $1,128/mo | +$55 |
| Gas price | $3.11/gal | $3.21/gal | $0.10 |
| Electric bill | $78/mo | $97/mo | $19 |
| Infant childcare | $8,873/yr | $11,512/yr | $2,639 |
Salary equivalent: Louisiana → South Carolina
What a Louisiana salary buys you in South Carolina, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Louisiana | Equivalent in South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,892 | +$108 |
| $75,000 | $74,839 | +$161 |
| $100,000 | $99,785 | +$215 |
| $150,000 | $149,677 | +$323 |
| $200,000 | $199,569 | +$431 |
Positive = your money goes further in South Carolina. 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 and South Carolina have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 92.9 and 92.7 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Louisiana or South Carolina?
Louisiana and South Carolina have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Louisiana cheaper than South Carolina?
Louisiana and South Carolina cost roughly the same to live in.
Is South Carolina more expensive than Louisiana?
Louisiana and South Carolina have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in South Carolina equals $100,000 in Louisiana?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Louisiana, you would need approximately $99,785 in South Carolina. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (92.9 vs 92.7).
How do housing costs compare between Louisiana and South Carolina?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Louisiana. Median home prices are $210,000 in Louisiana vs $285,000 in South Carolina — a $75,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,183/mo vs $1,128/mo.
What costs more in Louisiana vs South Carolina?
Utilities is 14% lower in Louisiana (index 83.6 vs 96.9). Housing is 5% higher in Louisiana (index 84.5 vs 80.6). Groceries is 3% lower in Louisiana (index 96.4 vs 99).
Is gas cheaper in Louisiana or South Carolina?
Gas averages $3.11/gallon in Louisiana and $3.21/gallon in South Carolina — a $0.10 difference per gallon.
Louisiana vs South Carolina cost of living — how do they compare?
Louisiana has an overall cost-of-living index of 92.9 and South Carolina has 92.7 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and South Carolina?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Louisiana moved to a flat income tax rate of 3.00% in 2025, replacing a three-bracket system. South Carolina uses a progressive income tax with a top rate of 6.40% on income above $16,040. Use the Louisiana vs South Carolina paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Louisiana and South Carolina?
Louisiana requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. South Carolina requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
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
- Louisiana Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- South Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Louisiana vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Louisiana — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in South Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- Louisiana Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- South Carolina Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Louisiana Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- South Carolina Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Louisiana Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- South Carolina Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- 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.