Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Baton Rouge is 15% more affordable than Austin. A $75,000 salary in Austin is equivalent to $63,785 in Baton Rouge.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Louisiana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Baton Rouge sits at 75 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $195,000 in Baton Rouge, a difference of $235,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,100 in Baton Rouge.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Austin scores 96 while Baton Rouge scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are higher than Baton Rouge (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $44,982 in Baton Rouge. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Baton Rouge.
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