Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Baton Rouge is 46% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,044/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 17%
$49,944/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 13%
$224,500 ↑ 141%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 58%
$1,043/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 20%
223,699
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $6,490/year higher in Baton Rouge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Dayton — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Dayton?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Dayton?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $6,490/year higher in Baton Rouge.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Ohio?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Dayton details →

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