Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Sacramento is 81% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,694/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 38%
$83,753/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 40%
$484,600 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 54%
$1,752/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 40%
524,802
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $650/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $7,800/year.

Median household income is $33,809/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $650/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $33,809/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Baton Rouge details →

More Comparisons

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