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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Baton Rouge is 22% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,044/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 12%
$49,944/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 8%
$224,500 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 26%
$1,043/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 13%
223,699
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $124/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,488/year.

Median household income is $3,960/year higher in Baton Rouge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $165,200 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 60 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 $920/month — a difference of $124/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Springfield?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $3,960/year higher in Baton Rouge.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Missouri?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% 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 60 with rent of $920/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. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward