Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Baton Rouge is 69% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,044/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 163%
$49,944/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 153%
$224,500 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 363%
$1,043/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 153%
223,699
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,698/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $20,376/year.

Median household income is $76,525/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Cambridge?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,698/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Cambridge?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $76,525/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Massachusetts?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Cambridge details →

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