Is Tampa, FL cheaper than Baton Rouge, LA?

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

What salary do I need in Tampa, FL 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 Tampa, FL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baton Rouge, LA and Tampa, FL?

Housing in Tampa, FL is 26.8% more expensive than in Baton Rouge, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,290/month in Tampa, FL compared to $1,275/month in Baton Rouge, LA.

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

Living in Tampa, FL 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 Tampa, FL: 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 $989/month more in Tampa, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.9K in Tampa, FL

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$234K

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:

113

(13% above avg)

Median Home:$367K

Baton Rouge, LA

The Pelican State

227K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Tampa, FL

The Sunshine State

385K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major Tampa Bay area
•No state income tax
•Growing tech scene

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyHealthcareTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baton Rouge, LA vs Tampa, FL

Category	Baton Rouge, LA	Tampa, FL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,131/mo	$2,703/mo	↑ $572more	26.8%
Healthcare	$471/mo	$570/mo	↑ $99.13more	21.1%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$574/mo	↑ $87.43more	18.0%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,808/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.9%
Groceries	$969/mo	$1,019/mo	↑ $49.96more	5.2%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $40.98more	3.3%

Housing

↑ 26.8%

Baton Rouge, LA

$2,131

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Difference

$572

Healthcare

↑ 21.1%

Baton Rouge, LA

$471

Tampa, FL

$570

Difference

$99.13

All Utilities

↑ 18.0%

Baton Rouge, LA

$486

Tampa, FL

$574

Difference

$87.43

Other

↑ 2.9%

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,758

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Difference

$50.22

Groceries

↑ 5.2%

Baton Rouge, LA

$969

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Difference

$49.96

Transportation

↑ 3.3%

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,243

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Difference

$40.98

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,090

To$1,850

↑ $760

1 Bed

From$1,125

To$1,960

↑ $835

2 Bed

From$1,275

To$2,290

↑ $1,015

3 Bed

From$1,600

To$2,930

↑ $1,330

Baton Rouge, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,600/mo

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/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

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$899

Difference

Home Values

Baton Rouge

Tampa

$234K

Median Value

$367K

↓ -1.9%

YoY Change

↓ -4%

↑ +15.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.1%

$64K - $344K

Price Range

$251K - $989K

Homes in Tampa are 57% more expensive than Baton Rouge

Calculate payment - Baton Rouge Calculate payment - Tampa

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

Tampa, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida 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%

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

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.