Relocation

Cost of living by state

Weighing a move? Compare any two states side by side — cost of living, taxes, and demographics — and see what a physician, NP, or PA salary is really worth once it's adjusted for local prices. Green means cheaper or better; red means pricier or worse.

A cost-of-living index isn't published for Puerto Rico, so an overall score isn't available. Demographics and taxes are still compared below.
MetricPuerto RicoLouisiana
Cost of living (US avg = 100)
Overall cost of living88.2
Housing (rent)63.1
Utilities71.5
Goods93.7
Other services95.7
Taxes
Top income tax rate3%
Sales tax (avg)10.12%
Property tax (effective)0.55%
About the state
Population3,167,1494,621,025
Median household income$25,096$60,023
Median age44.237.8
Homeownership rate67.90%67.30%
Median home value$131,500$208,700
▼ green = lower cost / better▲ red = higher cost / worse

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities (2024) · U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts · Tax Foundation. Figures are the latest published; cost-of-living is a price-level index, not tax-adjusted take-home pay.

Browse all state profiles

VitalPost shows sourced, public data for context only — it isn't financial or tax advice. Cost-of-living is a price-level index (US average = 100); taxes shown are statewide/averaged and don't capture local income or the specifics of your situation.

Cost of Living by State — Compare & Relocate — VitalPost