Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Baton Rouge is 47% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,044/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 73%
$49,944/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 102%
$224,500 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 115%
$1,043/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 84%
223,699
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $766/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $9,192/year.

Median household income is $51,041/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Thornton — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Thornton?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $766/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Thornton?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $51,041/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Colorado?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Thornton has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,810/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Thornton details →

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