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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Arlington is 178% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$2,275/mo ↑ 118%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 54%
$140,160/yr ↑ 181%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 64%
$864,800 ↑ 285%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 74%
$2,414/mo ↑ 131%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 57%
235,463
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,231/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $14,772/year.

Median household income is $90,216/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Baton Rouge slightly more tax-friendly.

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $1,231/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $90,216/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Louisiana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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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