Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Fort Worth is 33% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,412/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 26%
$76,602/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 35%
$277,300 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 19%
$1,489/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 30%
941,311
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $26,658/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Fort Worth residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Fort Worth 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 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $26,658/year higher in Fort Worth.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 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 Fort Worth details → View Baton Rouge details →

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