Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Baton Rouge is 26% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,044/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 2%
$49,944/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 13%
$224,500 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 52%
$1,043/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 8%
223,699
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,706/year higher in Baton Rouge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Jackson — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Jackson?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Jackson?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $6,706/year higher in Baton Rouge.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Mississippi?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

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