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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Baton Rouge is 39% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,044/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 54%
$49,944/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 53%
$224,500 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 76%
$1,043/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 60%
223,699
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $559/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $6,708/year.

Median household income is $26,261/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Lowell — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Lowell?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $559/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Lowell?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $26,261/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Massachusetts?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Lowell details →

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