Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

St. Louis is 10% cheaper than Baton Rouge.

$978/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↑ 7%
$55,279/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 10%
$185,100 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$224,500 ↑ 21%
$1,013/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↑ 3%
293,109
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $5,335/year higher in St. Louis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is St. Louis or Baton Rouge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $5,335/year higher in St. Louis.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Louisiana?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% 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 St. Louis or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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 St. Louis details → View Baton Rouge details →

More Comparisons

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