Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Arlington is 30% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,389/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 25%
$73,519/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 32%
$276,400 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 19%
$1,420/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 27%
394,769
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $23,575/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Arlington or Baton Rouge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $345/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $23,575/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,044/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Baton Rouge details →

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