Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Baton Rouge is 47% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,044/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 72%
$49,944/yr ↓ 65%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 183%
$224,500 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 114%
$1,043/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 92%
223,699
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $748/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $8,976/year.

Median household income is $91,409/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $748/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $91,409/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Texas?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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