Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Baton Rouge is 15% cheaper than Billings.

$1,044/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 5%
$49,944/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 44%
$224,500 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 39%
$1,043/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 13%
223,699
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $21,911/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Billings — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Billings?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Billings?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $21,911/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Montana?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Billings details →

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