Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Port St. Lucie, FL (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113

Baton Rouge is 40% cheaper than Port St. Lucie.

$1,044/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,781/mo ↑ 71%
$49,944/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$78,137/yr ↑ 56%
$224,500 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$327,700 ↑ 46%
$1,043/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,507/mo ↑ 44%
223,699
Population
220,453

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Port St. Lucie, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $737/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $8,844/year.

Median household income is $28,193/year higher in Port St. Lucie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Port St. Lucie residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Port St. Lucie — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Port St. Lucie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Port St. Lucie it's $1,781/month — a difference of $737/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie. Median household income is $28,193/year higher in Port St. Lucie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Florida?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,781/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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