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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Baton Rouge is 58% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,044/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 95%
$49,944/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 128%
$224,500 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 210%
$1,043/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 108%
223,699
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $987/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $11,844/year.

Median household income is $63,694/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Alexandria?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $987/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Alexandria?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $63,694/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Virginia?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Alexandria details →

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