Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Columbus, GA (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Baton Rouge is 6% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,044/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↑ 3%
$49,944/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↑ 13%
$224,500 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$182,300 ↓ 19%
$1,043/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↑ 2%
223,699
Population
204,383

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,678/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Columbus — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Columbus?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Columbus?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $6,678/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Georgia?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Columbus details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Columbus

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