Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Baton Rouge is 3% more affordable than Rochester. A $75,000 salary in Rochester is equivalent to $72,606 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 · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Baton Rouge has a housing index of 75 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Baton Rouge costs $195,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Baton Rouge versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Baton Rouge scores 96 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Baton Rouge (93) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Baton Rouge is $44,982 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Baton Rouge.
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