Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Baton Rouge and Knoxville have a similar cost of living.

$1,044/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 7%
$49,944/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↑ 2%
$224,500 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 5%
$1,043/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↑ 3%
223,699
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $72/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $864/year.

Median household income is $1,050/year higher in Knoxville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Knoxville?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $72/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Knoxville?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $1,050/year higher in Knoxville.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Tennessee?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Knoxville details →

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