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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Austin is 84% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,655/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 37%
$91,461/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 45%
$512,700 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 56%
$1,747/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 40%
967,862
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $611/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $7,332/year.

Median household income is $41,517/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Austin 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 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $611/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $41,517/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Baton Rouge details →

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