Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Philadelphia is 16% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,323/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 21%
$60,698/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 18%
$232,400 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 3%
$1,233/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 15%
1,582,432
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $10,754/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Philadelphia 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 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $10,754/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Louisiana?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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