Cost of Living in Baton Rouge, LA
Population 223,699 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Baton Rouge's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $49,944 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. A poverty rate near 25% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Baton Rouge
The median home value in Baton Rouge is $224,500 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,044/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,944/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.1%, 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%. Overall, Baton Rouge has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% 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
💨 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 Baton Rouge, LA?
Baton Rouge has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Baton Rouge, LA?
The median gross rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Baton Rouge?
The median home value in Baton Rouge is $224,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Baton Rouge?
The median household income in Baton Rouge is $49,944 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Baton Rouge, LA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Baton Rouge is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Baton Rouge, LA affordable?
Yes, Baton Rouge is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
Baton Rouge at a Glance
- Population
- 223,699
- Median Income
- $49,944
- Home Value
- $224,500
- Median Rent
- $1,044/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.1%
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
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