Is Boston, MA cheaper than Baton Rouge, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 63.7% more expensive than Baton Rouge, LA. This translates to spending an extra $4780 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Baton Rouge, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in Baton Rouge, LA, you'd need approximately $207,362.637 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baton Rouge, LA and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 147.6% more expensive than in Baton Rouge, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,275/month in Baton Rouge, LA.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $4780 more per month than Baton Rouge, LA, or $57363 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baton Rouge, LA vs Boston, MA: 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 $4.8K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $207.4K in Boston, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 63.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,780

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$57.4K

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

164

(64% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Baton Rouge, LA

The Pelican State

227K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baton Rouge, LA vs Boston, MA

Category	Baton Rouge, LA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,131/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $3,144more	147.6%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $587more	47.3%
Healthcare	$471/mo	$743/mo	↑ $273more	57.9%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$716/mo	↑ $229more	47.2%
Groceries	$969/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $110more	11.3%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.8%

Housing

↑ 147.6%

Baton Rouge, LA

$2,131

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$3,144

Transportation

↑ 47.3%

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,243

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$587

Healthcare

↑ 57.9%

Baton Rouge, LA

$471

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$273

All Utilities

↑ 47.2%

Baton Rouge, LA

$486

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$229

Groceries

↑ 11.3%

Baton Rouge, LA

$969

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$110

Other

↑ 3.8%

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,758

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$66.96

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,090

To$3,095

↑ $2,005

1 Bed

From$1,125

To$3,255

↑ $2,130

2 Bed

From$1,275

To$3,865

↑ $2,590

3 Bed

From$1,600

To$4,630

↑ $3,030

Baton Rouge, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,600/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$4,411

Difference

Home Values

Baton Rouge

Boston

$234K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -1.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +15.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$64K - $344K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 311% more expensive than Baton Rouge

Calculate payment - Baton Rouge Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $250

Per year

Monthly Difference

$20.83

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

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

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Baton Rouge, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.