Median rent is 37% lower in Baton Rouge ($1,044/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Baton Rouge, where the median home runs $224,500 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $49,944 a year). Taken together, Baton Rouge is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.0 against 98.8 — about 6% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Baton Rouge is 6% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.0 in Baton Rouge vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Baton Rouge, LA
How much would you need to earn in Baton Rouge, LA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Baton Rouge, LA
$70,609
You could earn $4,391 less (6% 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
Austin
Texas
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Baton Rouge — median rent of $1,044/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 37% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $224,500 in Baton Rouge — 56% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Louisiana tops out at 4.25% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.45% in Louisiana; Baton Rouge has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Baton Rouge
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 4.45%
Baton Rouge has cleaner air on average: 42.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Baton Rouge if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.0 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Baton Rouge if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,044/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.0 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 6% lower in Baton Rouge.
How much is rent in Austin vs Baton Rouge?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,044/mo in Baton Rouge, LA. Baton Rouge, LA has the lower rent by about 37%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $49,944 in Baton Rouge, LA. Austin, TX 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 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Baton Rouge?
Texas has no state income tax. Louisiana has a top rate of 4.25%.
What salary do I need in Baton Rouge to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $94,145 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