Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Baton Rouge is 20% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,044/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 31%
$49,944/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 26%
$224,500 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 19%
$1,043/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 26%
223,699
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $320/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $3,840/year.

Median household income is $12,845/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and North Charleston?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $320/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or North Charleston?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $12,845/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and South Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and North Charleston

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 North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands