Cost of Living in Baker, LA
Population 12,322 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Baker is a smaller Louisiana community of around 12000 residents, where median household incomes of $59,451 and housing costs ($147,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Around 22% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 10 miles north of Baton Rouge, Baker falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than Baton Rouge's $225,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Baker
The median home value in Baker is $146,700 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,031/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,451/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 14.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Louisiana's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. The climate averages highs of 78.9°F and lows of 58.1°F. Overall, Baker has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 62 | 67 | 73 | 79 | 86 | 91 | 92 | 92 | 89 | 81 | 71 | 64 |
| Low °F | 42 | 45 | 51 | 57 | 65 | 72 | 74 | 73 | 69 | 58 | 48 | 43 |
| Precip" | 6.36 | 4.42 | 4.46 | 5.08 | 5.23 | 6.45 | 5.09 | 6.37 | 4.42 | 4.84 | 3.90 | 5.32 |
| Snow" | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Baker, LA?
Baker has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Baker, LA?
The median gross rent in Baker is $1,031 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Baker?
The median home value in Baker is $146,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Baker?
The median household income in Baker is $59,451 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Baker, LA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Baker is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Baker, LA affordable?
Yes, Baker is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Baker?
Baker has average high temperatures of 78.9°F and average lows of 58.1°F. Annual precipitation is 61.9". Average annual snowfall is 0.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Baker at a Glance
- Population
- 12,322
- Median Income
- $59,451
- Home Value
- $146,700
- Median Rent
- $1,031/mo
- Unemployment
- 14.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 78.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
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Louisiana Rankings
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