Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Baton Rouge is 39% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,044/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 64%
$49,944/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 39%
$224,500 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 65%
$1,043/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 60%
223,699
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $665/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $7,980/year.

Median household income is $19,317/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $665/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $19,317/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Florida?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

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