Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Baton Rouge is 20% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $59,868 in Baton Rouge.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Louisiana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Baton Rouge sits at 75 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $195,000 in Baton Rouge, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,100 in Baton Rouge.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Baton Rouge scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Baton Rouge (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $44,982 in Baton Rouge. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Baton Rouge.
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