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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Baton Rouge is 12% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,044/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 27%
$49,944/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 46%
$224,500 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 7%
$1,043/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 20%
223,699
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $23,086/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Odessa residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Odessa — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Odessa?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Odessa?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $23,086/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Texas?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Odessa details →

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