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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Baton Rouge is 8% cheaper than Springfield.

$1,044/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↑ 7%
$49,944/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↑ 3%
$224,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$222,700 ≈ Same
$1,043/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 22%
223,699
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $1,395/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $222,700 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, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 79 (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 $1,114/month — a difference of $70/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Springfield?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $1,395/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Massachusetts?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% 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 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Springfield

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 Springfield vs. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville