Is Little Rock, AR cheaper than Baton Rouge, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Little Rock, AR is 2.7% cheaper than Baton Rouge, LA. This translates to saving $201 per month.

What salary do I need in Little Rock, AR to live like I do in Baton Rouge, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in Baton Rouge, LA, you'd need approximately $147,592.465 in Little Rock, AR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baton Rouge, LA and Little Rock, AR?

Housing in Little Rock, AR is 10.8% cheaper than in Baton Rouge, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,226/month in Little Rock, AR compared to $1,275/month in Baton Rouge, LA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Baton Rouge, LA to Little Rock, AR?

Moving from Baton Rouge, LA to Little Rock, AR could save you approximately $201 per month, or $2408 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baton Rouge, LA vs Little Rock, AR: 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 save $201/month moving to Little Rock, AR

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.6K in Little Rock, AR

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$201

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.4K

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

Little Rock, AR

Population:204K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$261K

Baton Rouge, LA

The Pelican State

227K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Little Rock, AR

The Natural State

204K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arkansas, this city has a population of 204K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baton Rouge, LA vs Little Rock, AR

Category	Baton Rouge, LA	Little Rock, AR	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,131/mo	$1,900/mo	↓ $231less	10.8%
Healthcare	$471/mo	$534/mo	↑ $63.56more	13.5%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$538/mo	↑ $51.56more	10.6%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,280/mo	↑ $37.09more	3.0%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $33.76less	1.9%
Groceries	$969/mo	$953/mo	↓ $16.07less	1.7%

Housing

↓ 10.8%

Baton Rouge, LA

$2,131

Little Rock, AR

$1,900

Difference

$231

less

Healthcare

↑ 13.5%

Baton Rouge, LA

$471

Little Rock, AR

$534

Difference

$63.56

All Utilities

↑ 10.6%

Baton Rouge, LA

$486

Little Rock, AR

$538

Difference

$51.56

Transportation

↑ 3.0%

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,243

Little Rock, AR

$1,280

Difference

$37.09

Other

↓ 1.9%

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,758

Little Rock, AR

$1,724

Difference

$33.76

less

Groceries

↓ 1.7%

Baton Rouge, LA

$969

Little Rock, AR

$953

Difference

$16.07

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,090

To$1,050

↓ $40.00

1 Bed

From$1,125

To$1,061

↓ $64.00

2 Bed

From$1,275

To$1,226

↓ $49.00

3 Bed

From$1,600

To$1,648

↑ $48.00

Baton Rouge, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,600/mo

Little Rock, ARZIP-level data

1BR range: $890–$1,280/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

$6,930

Monthly in Little Rock, AR

$128

Difference

Home Values

Baton Rouge

Little Rock

$234K

Median Value

$261K

↓ -1.9%

YoY Change

↑ +1.4%

↑ +15.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.2%

$64K - $344K

Price Range

$109K - $468K

Homes in Little Rock are 12% more expensive than Baton Rouge

Calculate payment - Baton Rouge Calculate payment - Little Rock

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$106

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

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

Little Rock, AR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arkansas State Tax

Effective: 6.0%

$9.0K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.7%

$46.0K

Take-Home Pay

$8,664/month

$104.0K

Additional Tax Information

Baton Rouge, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Little Rock, AR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.