Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

New Orleans is 23% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,211/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 14%
$55,339/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 10%
$296,400 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 24%
$1,274/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 18%
376,035
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $5,395/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Louisiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is New Orleans 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 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $5,395/year higher in New Orleans.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Louisiana?
Both cities are in Louisiana and share the same state tax rates: 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 New Orleans details → View Baton Rouge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Baton Rouge

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim 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