Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Baton Rouge is 35% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,044/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 13%
$49,944/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 3%
$224,500 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 45%
$1,043/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 20%
223,699
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $1,269/year higher in Baton Rouge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Brownsville?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Brownsville?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $1,269/year higher in Baton Rouge.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Texas?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Brownsville details →

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