Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Baton Rouge is 43% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,044/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 56%
$49,944/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 80%
$224,500 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 109%
$1,043/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 62%
223,699
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $40,094/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Charleston — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Charleston?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Charleston?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $40,094/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and South Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Charleston

Baton Rouge vs. Richmond Baton Rouge vs. Hialeah Baton Rouge vs. Fremont Baton Rouge vs. San Bernardino Baton Rouge vs. Santa Clarita Baton Rouge vs. Tacoma Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson