Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Baton Rouge is 53% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,044/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 53%
$49,944/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 68%
$224,500 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 102%
$1,043/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 67%
223,699
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $553/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $6,636/year.

Median household income is $33,913/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $553/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Tacoma?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $33,913/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Washington?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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