Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Baton Rouge is 24% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,044/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 4%
$49,944/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 8%
$224,500 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 44%
$1,043/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 6%
223,699
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,099/year higher in Baton Rouge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Syracuse?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Syracuse?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $4,099/year higher in Baton Rouge.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and New York?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

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