Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Lexington is 12% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,101/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 5%
$67,631/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 26%
$272,100 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 17%
$1,160/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 10%
321,122
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $17,687/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Lexington 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 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $17,687/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Louisiana?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Baton Rouge details →

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