Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Baton Rouge is 10% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,044/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 11%
$49,944/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 22%
$224,500 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 15%
$1,043/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 7%
223,699
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $11,084/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $11,084/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Tennessee?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Chattanooga details →

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