Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Baton Rouge is 30% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,044/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 47%
$49,944/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 29%
$224,500 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 45%
$1,043/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 35%
223,699
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $495/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $5,940/year.

Median household income is $14,496/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Clearwater?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $495/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Clearwater?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $14,496/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Florida?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

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