Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Madison is 41% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,364/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 23%
$76,983/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 35%
$346,900 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 35%
$1,476/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 29%
275,568
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $320/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $3,840/year.

Median household income is $27,039/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Madison 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 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $320/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $27,039/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Louisiana?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Baton Rouge details →

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