Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

St. Paul is 25% more expensive than Baton Rouge.

$1,248/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↓ 16%
$73,055/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 32%
$280,300 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$224,500 ↓ 20%
$1,390/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↓ 25%
307,762
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $23,111/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 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. Paul vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is St. Paul 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 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $23,111/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Louisiana?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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. Paul details → View Baton Rouge details →

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