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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Boston is 141% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$2,093/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 50%
$94,755/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 47%
$710,400 ↑ 216%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 68%
$2,176/mo ↑ 109%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 52%
663,972
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,049/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $12,588/year.

Median household income is $44,811/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $1,049/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $44,811/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Louisiana?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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