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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Baton Rouge is 48% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,044/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 67%
$49,944/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 72%
$224,500 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 144%
$1,043/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 66%
223,699
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $702/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $8,424/year.

Median household income is $35,845/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Lakewood?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $702/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Lakewood?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $35,845/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Colorado?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Lakewood

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 Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield