Is Austin, TX cheaper than Baton Rouge, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 13.2% more expensive than Baton Rouge, LA. This translates to spending an extra $989 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Baton Rouge, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in Baton Rouge, LA, you'd need approximately $161,868.132 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baton Rouge, LA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 35.4% more expensive than in Baton Rouge, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,275/month in Baton Rouge, LA.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $989 more per month than Baton Rouge, LA, or $11868 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baton Rouge, LA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Baton Rouge, LA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $989/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.9K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 13.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$989

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.9K

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

Median Home:$234K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$558K

Baton Rouge, LA

The Pelican State

227K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baton Rouge, LA vs Austin, TX

Category	Baton Rouge, LA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,131/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $754more	35.4%
🏥Healthcare	$471/mo	$589/mo	↑ $118more	25.0%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$541/mo	↑ $54.64more	11.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $40.98more	3.3%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $16.74less	1.0%
🛒Groceries	$969/mo	$959/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 35.4%

Baton Rouge, LA

$2,131

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$754

🏥Healthcare

↑ 25.0%

Baton Rouge, LA

$471

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$118

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.2%

Baton Rouge, LA

$486

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$54.64

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.3%

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,243

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$40.98

📦Other

↓ 1.0%

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,758

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$16.74

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Baton Rouge, LA

$969

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$9.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,090

To$1,585

↑ $495

1 Bed

From$1,125

To$1,685

↑ $560

2 Bed

From$1,275

To$1,995

↑ $720

3 Bed

From$1,600

To$2,525

↑ $925

Baton Rouge, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,600/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$940

Difference

Home Values

Baton Rouge

Austin

$234K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -1.9%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +15.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$64K - $344K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 138% more expensive than Baton Rouge

Calculate payment - Baton Rouge Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$646

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.2%

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Baton Rouge, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.