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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Baton Rouge is 44% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,044/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 64%
$49,944/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 98%
$224,500 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 116%
$1,043/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 54%
223,699
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $670/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $8,040/year.

Median household income is $48,742/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Meridian — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Meridian?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $670/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Meridian?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $48,742/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Idaho?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Meridian details →

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