Is Baton Rouge, LA cheaper than Arlington, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Baton Rouge, LA is 38.7% cheaper than Arlington, VA. This translates to saving $2904 per month.

What salary do I need in Baton Rouge, LA to live like I do in Arlington, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Arlington, VA, you'd need approximately $115,152.327 in Baton Rouge, LA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Arlington, VA and Baton Rouge, LA?

Housing in Baton Rouge, LA is 61.0% cheaper than in Arlington, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,275/month in Baton Rouge, LA compared to $2,325/month in Arlington, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Arlington, VA to Baton Rouge, LA?

Moving from Arlington, VA to Baton Rouge, LA could save you approximately $2904 per month, or $34848 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Arlington, VA vs Baton Rouge, LA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Arlington, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.9K/month moving to Baton Rouge, LA

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.2K in Baton Rouge, LA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 38.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,904

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Arlington, VA

Population:239K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$556K

Baton Rouge, LA

Population:227K

Cost Index:

(39% below avg)

Median Home:$234K

Arlington, VA

The Old Dominion State

239K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 239K residents.

Baton Rouge, LA

The Pelican State

227K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Louisiana, this city has a population of 227K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Arlington, VA vs Baton Rouge, LA

Category	Arlington, VA	Baton Rouge, LA	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,461/mo	$2,131/mo	↓ $3,330less	61.0%
Transportation	$1,842/mo	$1,243/mo	↓ $599less	32.5%
Healthcare	$625/mo	$471/mo	↓ $154less	24.6%
Groceries	$1,067/mo	$969/mo	↓ $97.41less	9.1%
Other	$1,783/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $24.92less	1.4%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$486/mo	↓ $15.97less	3.2%

Housing

↓ 61.0%

Arlington, VA

$5,461

Baton Rouge, LA

$2,131

Difference

$3,330

less

Transportation

↓ 32.5%

Arlington, VA

$1,842

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,243

Difference

$599

less

Healthcare

↓ 24.6%

Arlington, VA

$625

Baton Rouge, LA

$471

Difference

$154

less

Groceries

↓ 9.1%

Arlington, VA

$1,067

Baton Rouge, LA

$969

Difference

$97.41

less

Other

↓ 1.4%

Arlington, VA

$1,783

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,758

Difference

$24.92

less

All Utilities

↓ 3.2%

Arlington, VA

$502

Baton Rouge, LA

$486

Difference

$15.97

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,578

To$1,090

↓ $488

1 Bed

From$1,827

To$1,125

↓ $702

2 Bed

From$2,325

To$1,275

↓ $1,050

3 Bed

From$3,239

To$1,600

↓ $1,639

Baton Rouge, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,600/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,279

Monthly in Arlington, VA

$7,058

Monthly in Baton Rouge, LA

$4,221

Difference

Home Values

Arlington

Baton Rouge

Median Value

$234K

YoY Change

↓ -1.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

Price Range

$64K - $344K

Calculate payment - Baton Rouge

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $618

Per year

Monthly Difference

$51.46

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

Arlington, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Baton Rouge, LA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Louisiana State Tax

Effective: 5.2%

$7.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.8%

$44.8K

Take-Home Pay

$8,770/month

$105.2K

Additional Tax Information

Arlington, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Baton Rouge, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.