Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Baton Rouge is 4% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,044/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ≈ Same
$49,944/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 28%
$224,500 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 18%
$1,043/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↑ 9%
223,699
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,022/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Des Moines?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Des Moines?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $14,022/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Iowa?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Des Moines

Baton Rouge vs. Richmond Baton Rouge vs. Hialeah Baton Rouge vs. Fremont Baton Rouge vs. San Bernardino Baton Rouge vs. Santa Clarita Baton Rouge vs. Tacoma Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco