Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Baton Rouge is 17% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $62,615 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Baton Rouge has a housing index of 75 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Baton Rouge costs $195,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Baton Rouge versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Baton Rouge scores 96 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Baton Rouge (93) are lower than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Baton Rouge is $44,982 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Baton Rouge.
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