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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Louisville and Baton Rouge have a similar cost of living.

$1,069/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 2%
$64,731/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 23%
$221,500 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$224,500 ↑ 1%
$1,118/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 7%
627,210
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,787/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Louisville 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 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $14,787/year higher in Louisville.
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 Louisville or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Baton Rouge details →

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