Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Baton Rouge is 19% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $60,938 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Baton Rouge has a housing index of 75 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Baton Rouge costs $195,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Baton Rouge versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Baton Rouge scores 96 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Baton Rouge (93) are lower than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Baton Rouge is $44,982 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Baton Rouge.
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