Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Long Beach is 132% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,803/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 42%
$83,969/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 41%
$762,200 ↑ 240%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 71%
$1,890/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 45%
458,491
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $759/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $9,108/year.

Median household income is $34,025/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Long Beach 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $759/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $34,025/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Baton Rouge details →

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