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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Modesto

California
120

Baton Rouge is 47% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,044/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 54%
$49,944/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 56%
$224,500 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 85%
$1,043/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 55%
223,699
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.45%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $565/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $6,780/year.

Median household income is $27,955/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Modesto — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Modesto?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $565/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Modesto?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $27,955/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and California?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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