Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Baton Rouge is 47% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,044/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 59%
$49,944/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 67%
$224,500 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 144%
$1,043/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 62%
223,699
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $617/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $7,404/year.

Median household income is $33,654/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $617/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $33,654/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Colorado?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Fort Collins

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 Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas