Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Lincoln is 5% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,045/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ≈ Same
$69,991/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 29%
$248,200 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 10%
$1,140/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 9%
291,932
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $20,047/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Baton Rouge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Lincoln 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 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $20,047/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Louisiana?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Baton Rouge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Baton Rouge

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Baton Rouge vs. Richmond Baton Rouge vs. Hialeah Baton Rouge vs. Fremont Baton Rouge vs. San Bernardino Baton Rouge vs. Santa Clarita Baton Rouge vs. Tacoma