Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Baton Rouge is 42% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,044/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 84%
$49,944/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 87%
$224,500 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 76%
$1,043/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 52%
223,699
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $873/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $10,476/year.

Median household income is $43,427/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Surprise — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Surprise?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $873/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Surprise?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $43,427/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Arizona?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Surprise

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 Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite