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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Baton Rouge is 9% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,044/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↑ 11%
$49,944/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↑ 11%
$224,500 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 8%
$1,043/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↑ 12%
223,699
Population
138,019

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $5,709/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Columbia — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Columbia?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Columbia?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $5,709/year higher in Columbia.
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 Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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