Median rent is 24% lower in Baton Rouge ($1,044/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Baton Rouge, where the median home runs $224,500 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $49,944 a year). Taken together, Baton Rouge is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.0 against 105.7 — about 12% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Baton Rouge is 12% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.0 in Baton Rouge vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Baton Rouge, LA
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Baton Rouge, LA?
Equivalent salary in Chicago, IL
$85,224
You'd need $10,224 more (14% higher).
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
Baton Rouge
Louisiana
Chicago
Illinois
👥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 $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 24% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $224,500 in Baton Rouge — 29% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Louisiana's top income tax rate is 4.25% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Baton Rouge is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.45% in Louisiana and 6.25% in Illinois; Baton Rouge has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Baton Rouge
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 4.45%
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 42.0 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 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Baton Rouge if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,044/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Is Baton Rouge cheaper than Chicago?
Baton Rouge is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.0 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 12% lower in Baton Rouge.
How much is rent in Baton Rouge vs Chicago?
Median rent is $1,044/mo in Baton Rouge, LA and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Baton Rouge, LA has the lower rent by about 24%.
Which has higher salaries — Baton Rouge or Chicago?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge, LA and $75,134 in Chicago, IL. Chicago, IL 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?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 42.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Baton Rouge or Chicago?
Louisiana's top income tax rate is 4.25% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Baton Rouge, LA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Baton Rouge income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Baton Rouge, LA is equivalent to roughly $113,632 in Chicago, IL (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