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

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Baton Rouge and Waco have a similar cost of living.

$1,044/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 5%
$49,944/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↑ 3%
$224,500 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 11%
$1,043/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 5%
223,699
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $1,524/year higher in Waco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Waco — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Waco?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $54/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Waco?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $1,524/year higher in Waco.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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