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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Baton Rouge is 5% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,044/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 2%
$49,944/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 23%
$224,500 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 12%
$1,043/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 1%
223,699
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,510/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Louisiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Lafayette?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Lafayette?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $11,510/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Louisiana?
Both cities are in Louisiana and share the same state tax rates: 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Lafayette

Baton Rouge vs. Richmond Baton Rouge vs. Hialeah Baton Rouge vs. Fremont Baton Rouge vs. San Bernardino Baton Rouge vs. Santa Clarita Baton Rouge vs. Tacoma Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield