Median rent is 4% lower in Baton Rouge ($1,044/mo vs $1,085/mo). Buying is cheaper in Baton Rouge, where the median home runs $224,500 versus $266,700. Households earn more in Albuquerque ($65,604 vs $49,944 a year). Taken together, Baton Rouge is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.0 against 93.4 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Albuquerque, NM.
City A
Albuquerque, NM
City B
Baton Rouge, LA
How much would you need to earn in Baton Rouge, LA to maintain your standard of living from Albuquerque, NM?
Equivalent salary in Baton Rouge, LA
$74,719
You could earn $281 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Albuquerque
New Mexico
Baton Rouge
Louisiana
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,085/mo in Albuquerque and $1,044/mo in Baton Rouge. Median home values are within 16% of each other: $266,700 in Albuquerque and $224,500 in Baton Rouge.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New Mexico's top income tax rate is 5.90% versus 4.25% in Louisiana, so Baton Rouge is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.88% in New Mexico and 4.45% in Louisiana; Baton Rouge has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Albuquerque
Income tax: 5.90%
Sales tax: 4.88%
Baton Rouge
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 4.45%
Both cities have similar air quality: Albuquerque averages 43.0 AQI (Good) and Baton Rouge averages 42.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize higher median household income ($65,604/yr).
Pick Baton Rouge if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Albuquerque cheaper than Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.0 versus 93.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Baton Rouge.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Baton Rouge?
Median rent is $1,085/mo in Albuquerque, NM and $1,044/mo in Baton Rouge, LA. Baton Rouge, LA has the lower rent by about 4%.
Which has higher salaries — Albuquerque or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque, NM and $49,944 in Baton Rouge, LA. Albuquerque, NM has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Baton Rouge, LA has better air quality on average: 42.0 AQI versus 43.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Albuquerque or Baton Rouge?
New Mexico's top income tax rate is 5.90% and Louisiana's is 4.25%. Baton Rouge, LA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Baton Rouge to match my Albuquerque income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albuquerque, NM is equivalent to roughly $99,625 in Baton Rouge, LA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology