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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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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:
61
(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

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

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.

Environment

Arlington
Baton Rouge
45 Good
Air Quality
51 Moderate
63.7%
Good Air Days
48.9%
98 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌀🌡
Top Hazards
🌊🌀🌡
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+2.2°F
27 days
Heat Days >95°F
51 days
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+2.2°F
27 days
Heat Days >95°F
51 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Virginia and Louisiana on TaxTakeHome.com

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