Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Newark is 37% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,330/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 22%
$48,416/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↑ 3%
$337,800 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 34%
$1,419/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 26%
307,188
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $1,528/year higher in Baton Rouge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Newark 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $1,528/year higher in Baton Rouge.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Louisiana?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Baton Rouge details →

More Comparisons

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