Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Baton Rouge is 45% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,044/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 70%
$49,944/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 60%
$224,500 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 103%
$1,043/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 70%
223,699
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $732/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $8,784/year.

Median household income is $29,991/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $732/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $29,991/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Florida?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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