Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Charleston is 7% more affordable than Baton Rouge. A $75,000 salary in Baton Rouge is equivalent to $70,055 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Louisiana salaries · West Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Baton Rouge has a housing index of 75 while Charleston sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Baton Rouge costs $195,000 compared to $135,000 in Charleston, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Baton Rouge versus $850 in Charleston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Baton Rouge scores 96 while Charleston scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Baton Rouge (93) are higher than Charleston (91).
Median household income in Baton Rouge is $44,982 compared to $42,034 in Charleston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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