Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Chicago is 37% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,380/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 24%
$75,134/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 34%
$315,200 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 29%
$1,502/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 31%
2,707,648
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $336/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $4,032/year.

Median household income is $25,190/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Chicago 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $336/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $25,190/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Louisiana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Baton Rouge details →

More Comparisons

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