Median rent is 44% lower in Baton Rouge ($1,044/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Baton Rouge, where the median home runs $224,500 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $49,944 a year). Taken together, Baton Rouge is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.0 against 113.3 — about 18% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Baton Rouge is 18% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.0 in Baton Rouge vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Baton Rouge, LA
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Baton Rouge, LA?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$91,353
You'd need $16,353 more (22% 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
Los Angeles
California
👥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 $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 44% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $224,500 in Baton Rouge — 74% 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 13.30% in California, so Baton Rouge is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.45% in Louisiana and 7.25% in California; Baton Rouge has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Baton Rouge
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 4.45%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Baton Rouge has cleaner air on average: 42.0 AQI (Good) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) 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 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Baton Rouge if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,044/mo median).
Pick Baton Rouge if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 42.0).
Is Baton Rouge cheaper than Los Angeles?
Baton Rouge is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.0 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 18% lower in Baton Rouge.
How much is rent in Baton Rouge vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,044/mo in Baton Rouge, LA and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Baton Rouge, LA has the lower rent by about 44%.
Which has higher salaries — Baton Rouge or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge, LA and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA 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 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Baton Rouge or Los Angeles?
Louisiana's top income tax rate is 4.25% and California's is 13.30%. Baton Rouge, LA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles 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 $121,804 in Los Angeles, CA (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