Baton Rouge, LA vs New Orleans, LA

Baton Rouge is moderately more affordable than New Orleans, with a 11.8% lower cost of living index. Baton Rouge scores 82 compared to 93 for New Orleans, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of New Orleans can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month compared to $1,211/month in New Orleans — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Baton Rouge is more affordable at $224,500 median vs $296,400.

Median household income in Baton Rouge is $49,944 compared to $55,339 in New Orleans (-9.7%). The higher salaries in New Orleans partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Baton Rouge spend roughly 25.1% of their income on rent, less than the 26.3% in New Orleans.