Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Baton Rouge is 5% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $71,094 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 · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Baton Rouge has a housing index of 75 while Columbia sits at 88 (national average = 100). The median home in Baton Rouge costs $195,000 compared to $210,000 in Columbia, a difference of $15,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Baton Rouge versus $1,200 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Baton Rouge scores 96 while Columbia scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Baton Rouge (93) are lower than Columbia (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Baton Rouge is $44,982 compared to $46,734 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Baton Rouge.
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