Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Baton Rouge is 7% more affordable than Billings. A $75,000 salary in Billings is equivalent to $69,643 in Baton Rouge.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Louisiana salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Baton Rouge has a housing index of 75 while Billings sits at 93 (national average = 100). The median home in Baton Rouge costs $195,000 compared to $310,000 in Billings, a difference of $115,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Baton Rouge versus $1,200 in Billings.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Baton Rouge scores 96 while Billings scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Baton Rouge (93) are lower than Billings (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Baton Rouge is $44,982 compared to $55,438 in Billings. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Baton Rouge.
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