Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Baton Rouge is 20% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,044/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 9%
$49,944/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 31%
$224,500 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 31%
$1,043/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 7%
223,699
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $15,593/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Springfield — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Springfield?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Springfield?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $15,593/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Illinois?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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