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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Baton Rouge is 47% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,044/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 76%
$49,944/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 141%
$224,500 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 96%
$1,043/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 101%
223,699
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $797/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $9,564/year.

Median household income is $70,329/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs McKinney — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and McKinney?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $797/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or McKinney?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $70,329/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Texas?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while McKinney has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,841/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View McKinney details →

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