Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Baton Rouge is 30% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,044/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 36%
$49,944/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 35%
$224,500 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 51%
$1,043/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 46%
223,699
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $17,600/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Worcester — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Worcester?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Worcester?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $17,600/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Massachusetts?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Worcester details →

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