Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Jacksonville is 26% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,375/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 24%
$66,981/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 25%
$266,100 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 16%
$1,324/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 21%
961,739
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $17,037/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Jacksonville 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 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $17,037/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Louisiana?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Baton Rouge details →

More Comparisons

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