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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Ontario

California
152

Baton Rouge is 52% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,044/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 84%
$49,944/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 66%
$224,500 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 153%
$1,043/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 89%
223,699
Population
178,347

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $872/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $10,464/year.

Median household income is $32,862/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Ontario — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Ontario?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $872/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Ontario?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $32,862/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Ontario

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