Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Baton Rouge is 19% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,044/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 21%
$49,944/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 77%
$224,500 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 12%
$1,043/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 44%
223,699
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $38,372/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Elgin — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Elgin?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Elgin?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $38,372/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Illinois?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Elgin

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 Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont