Is Arlington, VA cheaper than Baton Rouge, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Arlington, VA is 63.2% more expensive than Baton Rouge, LA. This translates to spending an extra $4739 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Baton Rouge, LA, you'd need approximately $206,865.97 in Arlington, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Arlington, VA is 156.3% more expensive than in Baton Rouge, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,325/month in Arlington, VA compared to $1,275/month in Baton Rouge, LA.

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

Living in Arlington, VA costs approximately $4739 more per month than Baton Rouge, LA, or $56866 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baton Rouge, LA vs Arlington, VA: 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 Baton Rouge, LA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.7K/month more in Arlington, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $206.9K in Arlington, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baton Rouge, LA area

Overall Cost

↑ 63.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,739

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$56.9K

Per year

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

Baton Rouge, LA

Population:227K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$234K

Arlington, VA

Population:239K

Cost Index:

163

(63% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Baton Rouge, LA

The Pelican State

227K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Arlington, VA

The Old Dominion State

239K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baton Rouge, LA vs Arlington, VA

Category	Baton Rouge, LA	Arlington, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,131/mo	$5,461/mo	↑ $3,330more	156.3%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,842/mo	↑ $599more	48.2%
Healthcare	$471/mo	$625/mo	↑ $154more	32.7%
Groceries	$969/mo	$1,067/mo	↑ $97.41more	10.1%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,783/mo	↑ $24.92more	1.4%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$502/mo	↑ $15.97more	3.3%

Housing

↑ 156.3%

Baton Rouge, LA

$2,131

Arlington, VA

$5,461

Difference

$3,330

Transportation

↑ 48.2%

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,243

Arlington, VA

$1,842

Difference

$599

Healthcare

↑ 32.7%

Baton Rouge, LA

$471

Arlington, VA

$625

Difference

$154

Groceries

↑ 10.1%

Baton Rouge, LA

$969

Arlington, VA

$1,067

Difference

$97.41

Other

↑ 1.4%

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,758

Arlington, VA

$1,783

Difference

$24.92

All Utilities

↑ 3.3%

Baton Rouge, LA

$486

Arlington, VA

$502

Difference

$15.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,090

To$1,578

↑ $488

1 Bed

From$1,125

To$1,827

↑ $702

2 Bed

From$1,275

To$2,325

↑ $1,050

3 Bed

From$1,600

To$3,239

↑ $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.

$7,058

Monthly in Baton Rouge, LA

$11,279

Monthly in Arlington, VA

$4,221

Difference

Home Values

Baton Rouge

Arlington

$234K

Median Value

↓ -1.9%

YoY Change

↑ +15.3%

5-Year Change

$64K - $344K

Price Range

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

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$51.46

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Baton Rouge, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Arlington, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.