Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Baton Rouge is 56% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,044/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 110%
$49,944/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 105%
$224,500 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 164%
$1,043/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 113%
223,699
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,147/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $13,764/year.

Median household income is $52,377/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Fairfield?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,147/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Fairfield?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $52,377/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and California?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Fairfield

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 Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill