Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Baton Rouge is 17% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,044/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 18%
$49,944/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 76%
$224,500 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 11%
$1,043/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 41%
223,699
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $38,082/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Joliet — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Joliet?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Joliet?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $38,082/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Illinois?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Joliet details →

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