Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Baton Rouge is 38% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,044/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 29%
$49,944/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 50%
$224,500 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 121%
$1,043/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 34%
223,699
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $24,981/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $24,981/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Utah?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Salt Lake City

Baton Rouge vs. Richmond Baton Rouge vs. Hialeah Baton Rouge vs. Fremont Baton Rouge vs. San Bernardino Baton Rouge vs. Santa Clarita Baton Rouge vs. Tacoma Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta