Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Baton Rouge is 16% cheaper than Newport News.

$1,044/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 23%
$49,944/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 34%
$224,500 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$243,300 ↑ 8%
$1,043/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 27%
223,699
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $241/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $2,892/year.

Median household income is $16,774/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Newport News — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Newport News?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $241/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Newport News?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $16,774/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Virginia?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Newport News has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,285/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Newport News details →

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