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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Hialeah

Florida
109

Baton Rouge is 36% cheaper than Hialeah.

$1,044/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,558/mo ↑ 49%
$49,944/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$53,079/yr ↑ 6%
$224,500 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$359,200 ↑ 60%
$1,043/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,448/mo ↑ 39%
223,699
Population
221,901

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
35.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Hialeah, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $514/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $6,168/year.

Median household income is $3,135/year higher in Hialeah. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $359,200 in Hialeah.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Hialeah — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Hialeah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Hialeah?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Hialeah it's $1,558/month — a difference of $514/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Hialeah?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $53,079 in Hialeah. Median household income is $3,135/year higher in Hialeah.
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 Hialeah?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Hialeah has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,558/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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