Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Boise is 53% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,359/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 23%
$81,308/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 39%
$456,000 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 51%
$1,337/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 22%
235,701
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $31,364/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Boise or Baton Rouge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $31,364/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Louisiana?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,044/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Baton Rouge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Baton Rouge

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Baton Rouge vs. Richmond Baton Rouge vs. Hialeah Baton Rouge vs. Fremont Baton Rouge vs. San Bernardino Baton Rouge vs. Santa Clarita Baton Rouge vs. Tacoma