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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Baton Rouge is 14% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,044/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↑ 1%
$49,944/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↑ 11%
$224,500 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 34%
$1,043/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 2%
223,699
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,743/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Montgomery?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Montgomery?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $5,743/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Alabama?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Montgomery details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Montgomery

Baton Rouge vs. Richmond Baton Rouge vs. Hialeah Baton Rouge vs. Fremont Baton Rouge vs. San Bernardino Baton Rouge vs. Santa Clarita Baton Rouge vs. Tacoma Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park