Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Baton Rouge and Fayetteville have a similar cost of living.

$1,044/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↑ 13%
$49,944/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↑ 13%
$224,500 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 23%
$1,043/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↑ 11%
223,699
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $6,451/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $6,451/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and North Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

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