Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Baton Rouge is 8% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,044/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 22%
$49,944/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 7%
$224,500 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 16%
$1,043/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 19%
223,699
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $3,459/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Allentown — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Allentown?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Allentown?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $3,459/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Pennsylvania?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Allentown details →

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