Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Baton Rouge, LA?

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

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN 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 Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baton Rouge, LA and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 24.4% more expensive than in Baton Rouge, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,275/month in Baton Rouge, LA.

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

Living in Nashville, TN 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 Nashville, TN: 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 Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.9K in Nashville, TN

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

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$489K

Baton Rouge, LA

The Pelican State

227K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baton Rouge, LA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Baton Rouge, LA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,131/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $520more	24.4%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $184more	10.5%
🏥Healthcare	$471/mo	$607/mo	↑ $136more	28.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $40.98more	3.3%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$519/mo	↑ $32.79more	6.7%
🛒Groceries	$969/mo	$949/mo	↓ $19.99less	2.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 24.4%

Baton Rouge, LA

$2,131

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$520

📦Other

↑ 10.5%

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,758

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$184

🏥Healthcare

↑ 28.9%

Baton Rouge, LA

$471

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$136

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.3%

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,243

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$40.98

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.7%

Baton Rouge, LA

$486

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$32.79

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.1%

Baton Rouge, LA

$969

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$19.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,090

To$1,600

↑ $510

1 Bed

From$1,125

To$1,680

↑ $555

2 Bed

From$1,275

To$1,840

↑ $565

3 Bed

From$1,600

To$2,350

↑ $750

Baton Rouge, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,600/mo

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/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

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$894

Difference

Home Values

Baton Rouge

Nashville

$234K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -1.9%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +15.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$64K - $344K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 109% more expensive than Baton Rouge

Calculate payment - Baton Rouge Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee 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%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 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.