Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Baton Rouge is 8% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $68,939 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 · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Baton Rouge has a housing index of 75 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Baton Rouge costs $195,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $55,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Baton Rouge versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Baton Rouge scores 96 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Baton Rouge (93) are lower than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Baton Rouge is $44,982 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Baton Rouge.
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