Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Baton Rouge is 22% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,044/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 26%
$49,944/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 76%
$224,500 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 28%
$1,043/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 28%
223,699
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $272/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $3,264/year.

Median household income is $37,823/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Rochester — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Rochester?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $272/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Rochester?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $37,823/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Minnesota?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Rochester details →

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