Baton Rouge, Louisiana has an overall cost of living index of 93.0, which is 7.0 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,044 per month, while the typical home is valued around $224,500. Households earn a median of $49,944 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 42. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$49,944
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,044
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$224,500
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
93.0
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,032
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,064
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,204
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$1,511
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
93.0
Goods
93.1
Rents / Housing
80.8
Services
87.7
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
4.25%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
4.45%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $106,240 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $80,620 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $56,440 |
| ⚡Electrician | $68,780 |
| 📊Accountant | $76,850 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
223,699
Latest estimate
Median Age
31.8 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
42.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 93.0. The US national average is 100, so Baton Rouge is 7.0 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Baton Rouge?
The median gross rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Baton Rouge?
The median household income in Baton Rouge is $49,944 per year.
What is the median home value in Baton Rouge?
The median home value in Baton Rouge is $224,500 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Baton Rouge?
Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a statewide sales tax of 4.45% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology