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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Garland is 32% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,525/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 32%
$74,717/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 33%
$248,900 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 10%
$1,445/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 28%
245,298
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $481/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $5,772/year.

Median household income is $24,773/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Garland 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 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $481/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $24,773/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Baton Rouge details →

More Comparisons

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