Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Baltimore is 15% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,290/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 19%
$59,623/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 16%
$219,300 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$224,500 ↑ 2%
$1,333/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 22%
577,193
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $9,679/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Baltimore 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 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $246/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $9,679/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Louisiana?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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.
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More Comparisons

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