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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Houston is 21% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,313/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 20%
$62,894/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 21%
$253,400 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 11%
$1,316/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 21%
2,300,419
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $269/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $3,228/year.

Median household income is $12,950/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Houston 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 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $269/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $12,950/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Baton Rouge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Baton Rouge

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