Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Durham is 44% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,412/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 26%
$79,234/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 37%
$355,300 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 37%
$1,434/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 27%
288,465
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $29,290/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Durham 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 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $29,290/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Baton Rouge details →

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