Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Columbus is 14% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,224/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 15%
$65,327/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 24%
$234,500 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 4%
$1,243/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 16%
906,480
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $180/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $2,160/year.

Median household income is $15,383/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Columbus 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 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $180/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $15,383/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Louisiana?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Baton Rouge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Baton Rouge

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco 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