Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Los Angeles is 114% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,879/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 44%
$80,366/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 38%
$879,500 ↑ 292%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 74%
$2,055/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 49%
3,857,897
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $835/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $10,020/year.

Median household income is $30,422/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $835/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $30,422/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Baton Rouge details →