Skip To Main Content

Quality of Place

Known for its unique culture and rich history, Louisiana offers a one-of-a-kind work-life experience.

Louisiana’s Vibrant Culture and Business-Friendly Environment

Home to a rich tapestry of music, unique cuisine and picturesque vistas, Louisiana offers something for everyone. From the bustling streets of New Orleans to serene bayous and countryside, there is always something new and exciting to explore. Whether you’re craving the tranquility of an oak-lined park or the lively rhythms of city streets, Louisiana blends the beauty of its bayous and outdoor sanctuaries with the pulsating energy of its thriving urban centers.

In addition to its distinctive culture, Louisiana presents a favorable business environment, tailored incentives, competitive advantages and a skilled workforce. Companies looking to make their next investments can count on Louisiana as the right place to grow their businesses and provide a high quality of life for employees.

Cost of Living

Living in Louisiana is less expensive than the national average. Calculated based on the cost of food, transportation, health services, rent, utilities and taxes, the cost of living is 9% lower. Housing is 17% lower, while utilities are 13% lower. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are approximately 4% lower than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs 4% less.

Arts and Culture

From Mardi Gras to the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, there’s always something to celebrate in Louisiana. Our vibrant culture is as rich as our gumbo. The state’s passion for music, history and the arts offers residents an opportunity to immerse themselves in unique traditions and contemporary showcases.

Sportsman’s Paradise

Beyond the urban allure of cities, Louisiana's numerous state parks, wildlife reserves and swamps offer an array of outdoor activities. Throughout the year, anglers and hunters from around the country are drawn to Louisiana, long ago dubbed “Sportsman’s Paradise".

Higher education

From public to private institutions, community and technical colleges to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Louisiana is home to an array of higher education opportunities. Schools like Tulane University, Xavier University of Louisiana, Louisiana State University and others are committed to growing the next generation of workers and dreamers.

Diverse Job Opportunities

Louisiana’s strategies for economic diversification and job creation have expanded support for traditional industries and led to the emergence of new sectors. Traditional workhorses of the Louisiana economy, namely energy, manufacturing and agribusiness, are transforming with the digital revolution and worldwide movement toward sustainability. Meanwhile, from aerospace and aviation to technology and entertainment, life sciences to water management, Louisiana is nurturing the next pillars of its economy.

Population and Metropolitan Areas

Louisiana is the 33rd largest state by area in the U.S. and its 4.6 million residents spread from bustling urban centers to quaint rural towns.

Louisiana Population Centers

  1. New Orleans / 369,749
  2. Baton Rouge/ 221,453
  3. Shreveport/ 180,153
  4. Metairie/ 140,590
  5. Lafayette / 121,389
  6. Lake Charles / 79,113
  7. Kenner / 64,007
  8. Bossier City / 62,635
  9. Monroe / 46,820
  10. Alexandria / 44,004

Getting Around

Airports

There are seven primary airports in Louisiana with Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) being the largest and busiest airport in the state. Hosting 16 airlines and serving over 50 nonstop destinations, MSY connects to all corners of the country and offers direct international flights to Canada, Honduras, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Louisiana’s six other primary airports are located in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, Monroe and Lake Charles. A total of 69 public-use airports exist in Louisiana.

Cruise Lines

Louisiana’s junction of the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico provides a gateway for those looking for an international cruise getaway. Since the very first paddlewheel steamboat arrived in the early 1800s, New Orleans has been a key port of departure. Whether exploring the mighty Mississippi or embarking on a Caribbean cruise, passengers can head north to Memphis or sail international waters to the Bahamas, Belize, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Mexico and Panama.

Interstates and Highways

Crisscrossing Louisiana is a well-connected network of interstates, highways and scenic byways that facilitate travel around the state and to its neighbors. I-10 traverses southern Louisiana from east to west, connecting New Orleans to Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles and into Texas towards Houston. In the northern part of the state, I-20 continues from Jackson and Vicksburg, Mississippi through Monroe and Shreveport before entering Texas as it progresses towards Dallas. The state’s main north-to-south route is I-55, originating outside New Orleans.

Passenger Rail

Amtrak operates three long-distance rail routes through Louisiana, all originating at New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. The Crescent runs northeast to New York through Birmingham, Atlanta, Charlotte and Washington, D.C. The City of New Orleans connects Chicago by way of Jackson and Memphis. The Sunset Limited’s western route takes passengers to Los Angeles via Houston, San Antonio, El Paso and Tucson.

What can we help you find?