Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Baton Rouge is 40% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,044/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 49%
$49,944/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 62%
$224,500 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 94%
$1,043/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 57%
223,699
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $508/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $6,096/year.

Median household income is $31,145/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $508/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $31,145/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Michigan?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Ann Arbor details →

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