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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Baton Rouge is 17% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,044/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 11%
$49,944/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 47%
$224,500 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 38%
$1,043/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 14%
223,699
Population
138,995

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $23,312/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Metairie — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Metairie?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Metairie?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $23,312/year higher in Metairie.
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 Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Metairie details →

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