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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Baton Rouge is 67% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,044/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 112%
$49,944/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 108%
$224,500 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 365%
$1,043/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 124%
223,699
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,174/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $14,088/year.

Median household income is $53,834/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Pasadena?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,174/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Pasadena?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $53,834/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Pasadena details →

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