Baton Rouge, LA vs Tempe, AZ: 73 vs 120

$1,044/mo ↓ 36%

Median Rent

$1,623/mo ↑ 55%

$49,944/yr ↓ 36%

Median Income

$77,643/yr ↑ 55%

$224,500 ↓ 47%

Home Value

$421,900 ↑ 88%

$1,043/mo ↓ 33%

Owner Costs

$1,554/mo ↑ 49%

223,699

Population

186,419

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $579/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $6,948/year.

Median household income is $27,699/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Tempe — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Tempe cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 120 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Tempe?

Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $579/month.

Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Tempe?

Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $27,699/year higher in Tempe.

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 Tempe?

It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Baton Rouge

Tempe

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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