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Friday, May 05, 2023

Louisiana Vs. Georgia: Which Is The Better State?

Louisiana Vs. Georgia State Comparison

Louisiana Vs. Georgia: Which Is The Better State?

Living in the deep South isn’t for the faint of heart. Besides the heat, humidity, and bugs, the people in Louisiana and Georgia are fiercely proud of their culture and traditions. They share that antebellum culture rooted in Southern hospitality, love of family, and manners. But do the similarities end there? What else can you find living in Louisiana and Georgia?

If you’re thinking about uprooting and moving to the American South but aren’t sure where to go, you’re in the right place to learn about these iconic states. While Louisiana and Georgia may not initially be top-of-mind, their affordable cost of living and rich culture may just turn your head. Learn about living in Georgia or Louisiana in our comparison and discover if one is more welcoming for you.

Cost of living

Expenses vary widely across the states, which is why we use Sperling’s Best Places Index to compare how the states stack up. In their measure, the US average is set at 100. A number above says you’ll pay more, and a number below says you’ll pay less than average.

Louisiana earns the bonus points for having a better overall cost of living than Georgia. However, both states are below what you would typically play across the nation. Very affordable housing helps Louisiana gain the edge over Georgia. But if you have expensive medical needs, watch out! Healthcare costs are more in the Pelican State.

Another thing to note is Georgia’s population is almost double Louisiana’s, which can drive up the cost of goods and services. However, the median household income is notably higher, so chances are greater you’ll make more money living in Georgia.

Georgia

Louisiana

Population

10.7 million

4.66 million

Median Property Value

$306,113*

$174,000**

Median Household Income

$61,224

$53,571

Homeownership Rate

64%

67%

Overall

93.4

89.9

Grocery

95.5

92.7

Health

95.5

113.2

Housing

80.7

64.9

Utilities

103.2

89.9

Transportation

105.1

108.2

Miscellaneous

94.8

81.4

*Based on 2022

**Based on US Census median from 2017-2021

Keep in mind that these are statewide averages on the cost of living. Each state has more expensive or cheaper areas than the state and national average. Take Atlanta, Georgia, where you will pay much more for living expenses than in Valdosta, Georgia.

Population growth

Population growth

Georgia has significantly more people than Louisiana, but it’s worthwhile noting that its population is more densely clustered around Atlanta and its suburbs. Once you move away from that northern population center, the state becomes much more rural, and the density feels like most of Louisiana.

The same is almost true in Louisiana, where the population clusters along the coastline, particularly New Orleans and its suburbs, although Baton Rouge is close behind.

In terms of adding people, Georgia is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, ranking 8th in 2021 with a 21% increase in population. From 2010 to 2020, over 1 million people were added to Georgia. The state’s overall average age was 36.9, making it a relatively young state. It’s also worth noting that Georgia’s demographics are much more diverse than Louisiana.

Louisiana is heading the opposite way with one of the largest drops in population based on US Census data. From July 2021 to 2022, it lost around 37,000 residents, making it one of the top five states losing population.

Real estate

When it comes to owning a home in Louisiana and Georgia, your initial thoughts are probably the classic antebellum mansions with tall columns and whitewashed facades. While you can find these properties out in the countryside or preserved in some towns, trust us, these are modern states. You can find many master-planned communities under construction and packed with amenities. Live downtown where you can ditch the car. Or, with coastline in both states, settle into a relaxed life near a beach.

Common Homes

Housing values, and therefore prices, are overall higher in Georgia. The median price in 2022 was $339,000. Even though the state’s home sales were down about 15% for the year, it only had about a 1.8 months’ supply of inventory for existing homes. That pushed its prices up 15% year-over-year.

Louisiana also reported increased home prices but at a more modest 8.4% year-over-year gain. The median price reflects lower home values, reaching $243,000 in 2022. But, its Q4 2022 median home price was $361,710.

So, if you’re looking to save money on your housing costs, Louisiana may be the way to go. Notably, it will also have more coastline, but it may not be those sandy turquoise beaches that you expect. But if you want the excitement of living in a city packed with amenities, look to Georgia.

And how about property taxes? Again, the advantage goes to Louisiana. Its residents pay the fourth lowest real estate tax amount in the nation, an average of $1,187 in 2022, for an average effective tax rate of 0.55%.

Georgia’s higher housing values impact what you’ll pay in property taxes. Here, residents paid an average effective tax rate of 0.92%, which placed it no. 26 in the nation. Residents owed, on average, $2,006.

Taxes for retirees

When you’re on a fixed income, tracking where all your money is going is essential. Taxes can take a big chunk out of your earnings, which is why living in a low-tax state can be important in your golden years.

Georgia is more favorable than Louisiana, and it actually beat out popular retirement destination Florida in Bankrate’s assessment, which included non-financial factors like culture and weather. It has some retiree-friendly tax policies, like no tax on Social Security income and a $65,000 exemption on all retirement income, including your IRAs and 401(k)s. Some retirees can benefit from further deductions on their property taxes!

Sure, you won’t be taxed on Social Security income in Louisiana, but only certain forms of retirement income are exempt. Louisiana retirees can apply for a homestead tax freeze or homestead exemption to drop their property taxes. But for other reasons, Louisiana only ranked no. 39 on Bankrate’s list.

Job market

Hands down, Georgia has the better overall economic market. That’s because, unlike energy-dependent Louisiana, Georgia has built its economy off diverse industries. It churns out a gross domestic product (GDP) over $600 billion and is home to around 18 Fortune 500 headquarters.

While you may know Georgia for peaches, peanuts, and cotton, agribusiness is only part of what’s driving its job market. It’s made significant strides to attract the entertainment industry, as you’ve likely noticed if you’re a movie buff. Now it’s become the “Hollywood of the South.” But if you look at which industries employ the most residents, it’s healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Much of this is centered around the Atlanta metro, which you can see if you look at the top employers: Grady Health System, Emory Healthcare, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Fulton County Schools.

Louisiana’s GDP is almost two-thirds less, at $217 billion for 2022. Crude oil, refineries, and related manufacturing were the foundation of the state’s economy. One of the state’s two Fortune 500 companies is Entergy. Another was communications provider CenturyLink. But one thing it has in common with Georgia is its strong agribusiness sector. Louisiana grows sugarcane and sweet potatoes and is vital for commercial fishing.

Education

Valdota Georiga State University

Put your chips down on Georgia, which rated number 16 in the nation on US News and World Report. Georgia is more populated, which gives it more resources. With a massive urban center, it will have concentrations of high-quality, public-school systems, and universities.

Unfortunately, Louisiana’s public education system falls into the nation’s bottom five. That’s not to say you can’t find quality schools in Louisiana, but this state has one of the higher numbers of youth enrolled in private schools.

For more, check out the top school districts in Georgia and the top school districts in Louisiana.

Louisiana

Georgia*

No. of Students

685,606

1,686,318

No. of Schools

1,423

2,306

No. of School Districts

70

219

Graduation Rate

80%

84%

No. of Teachers

34,642

119,492

Avg Teacher/Student Ratio

18:1

1:15

Amount Spent Per Student

$12,359

$9,015

*Figures are from 2021-2022, except the graduation rate, which is from 2020.

 *Figures are from 2021-2022, except the graduation rate, which is from 2020.

For higher education, George performs better, too. Part of the reason is it simply has more universities and colleges within its borders. Overall, the report placed its higher education system at a respectable number 19, with some of its top options being the University of Georgia, Emory University, and Georgia Tech.

Louisiana colleges came in much further down the list, but there are a few highly regarded institutions like Tulane University, Louisiana State University (LSU), and Southern University.

Climate

Look, it’s the South. You’ve got to expect hot, humid summers. Both states post average highs in the 90Fs. The upside is their milder winters, where the average highs are closer to 50F.

If you’re closer to the coast, you may get some tempering sea breezes, but these add humidity to your air and increase the chances of summertime pop-up thunderstorms. Towards the northern borders of the states, expect to see more ice and chilly temperatures in the winter. Here, don’t rule out some light snowfall from time to time. The good news is it shouldn’t stick around long.

Both states are vulnerable to tropical storm threats. However, with its low-lying and expansive coastal region, Louisiana’s damage risk is much higher. It doesn’t take a high storm surge to push water pretty far inland. And keep in mind that its coastline is sinking.

Intense storms impact northern Louisiana, which is part of what’s called Dixie Alley, another region prone to strong tornado activity in the spring and fall months.

City Living

Living in a city definitely has its advantages, like more access to entertainment, world-class dining, and sometimes better education options. They may also have strong economies and more choices for employment. On the flip side, you’re more likely to deal with backed-up traffic, higher real estate prices, and more demand for services. But if city living appeals to you, each state has some fun options.

New Orleans is world-famous for its Mardi Gras celebration and French Quarter. These personify the lively and energetic city, which was the birthplace of jazz and has dozens of music venues. And its Cajun-style cooking, a mash-up of African, Native American, French, and other styles, is renowned for its rich flavors. New Orleans is surrounded by water, so you’ve got ample waterfront living choices.

Head eastward to the state capital Baton Rouge, where the iconic Louisiana State Capitol building is worth a tour even if you don’t live there. But if you do, there are many perks like the Louisiana State University and its avid Tiger fanbase, museums like the USS Kidd, and a low cost of living.

In terms of size, Atlanta and its huge metro area suburbs take the cake. The state’s largest and most populated city is an economic center for the entire South. It’s where most of the Fortune 500 Companies are. Plus, the 1996 Olympics host city is awash with entertainment choices and recreation amenities.

Georgia has other interesting urban destinations, too, like coastal Savannah. Here you’ll find residents with that iconic Southern drawl, antebellum mansions, and streets lined with boutiques and art galleries. Upriver Augusta has almost that same vibe but also an iconic golf course famous for its Masters tournament. For a more central city, try college town Macon.

Outdoor recreation

If you’ve got an outdoor hobby like fishing, hunting, or biking, you’ll find the recreational spaces perfect for indulging in both states.

Louisiana calls itself a “Sportman’s Paradise” because of its extensive outdoor wildlife management areas and preserves. With the great meandering Mississippi, the Red River, and thousands of square miles of low-lying swamp lands, Louisiana’s back bayous teem with birds and game. Access to the waterways is plentiful, and you’ll have water trails for canoeing or wide expanses for power boating.

For drier pursuits, there are upland regions with hiking trails, mountain biking, and road cycling. And Louisiana has about 94 golf courses to practice your game.

Georgia’s no slouch for the outdoors, with several world-famous golf courses, national parks, and state forests. The Blue Ridge Mountains in the northern part of the state distinguishes its offerings from Louisiana. The dramatic elevation is the start of the Appalachian Trail, plus several other multi-day hiking options like the Bartram Trail.

Atlanta Georgia Olympic Centennial Park

But you don’t need to go far to enjoy recreation. The Atlanta metro is packed with miles-long bike trails and pedestrian paths, with the Atlanta BeltLine probably the most famous.

And there are waterways, too, from the iconic Cumberland Island National Refuge, where the horses roam wild, to Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River. The waterways here are venues for fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, and powerboat sports.

Culture

Georgia and Louisiana personify southern culture, albeit in different ways. You’ll find both have a slower pace of life, unique accents, and a deep sense of pride.

New Orleans Jackson Square

Louisiana’s Creole culture makes it distinct from Georgia. The mix of traditions comes from the state’s turbulent history being passed around colonial powers, plus mixed with the culture of Native Americans and enslaved persons. It’s deeply French, as you’ll see in the beignets and unique Creole language. You won’t find Carnival festivals like Mardi Gras over in Georgia.

But Georgia has its unique attractions, too. Atlanta is a hotbed for music, particularly in country, hip-hop, and rap. It’s got important sites from the Civil Rights Movement, like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Savannah is the epitome of Southern culture, where the young ladies still are announced to society with debutante balls. Food traditions include its famous barbeque, boiled peanut, pecan pie, and peaches.

Choosing between Louisiana and Georgia

As you can see, Louisiana and Georgia share climate and cost of living advantages, but there are some significant differences. The “Cajun Nation” has a distinct identity from the “Southern hospitality” of Georgia. If you’re looking for a thriving economy and solid education system, living in Georgia may be better. But if the cost of living and culture matter, perhaps living in Louisiana is more appealing.

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Preston Guyton

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