Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Cary, NC (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Baton Rouge is 46% cheaper than Cary.

$1,044/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 55%
$49,944/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 159%
$224,500 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 134%
$1,043/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 67%
223,699
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $577/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $6,924/year.

Median household income is $79,455/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Cary — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Cary?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $577/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Cary?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $79,455/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and North Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Cary details →

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