Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Baton Rouge is 35% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,044/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 40%
$49,944/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 28%
$224,500 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 75%
$1,043/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 48%
223,699
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $13,930/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $13,930/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and New Jersey?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Elizabeth

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 Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland