Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Portland is 89% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,596/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 35%
$88,792/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 44%
$557,600 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 60%
$1,771/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 41%
642,715
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $552/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $6,624/year.

Median household income is $38,848/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Portland 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $552/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $38,848/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Louisiana?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Baton Rouge details →

More Comparisons

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