Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Raleigh is 51% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,468/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 29%
$82,424/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 39%
$377,800 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 41%
$1,487/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 30%
470,763
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $32,480/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $32,480/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Baton Rouge details →

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