Is Baton Rouge, LA cheaper than Fayetteville, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Baton Rouge, LA is 1.1% cheaper than Fayetteville, NC. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Baton Rouge, LA to live like I do in Fayetteville, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Fayetteville, NC, you'd need approximately $149,021.739 in Baton Rouge, LA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fayetteville, NC and Baton Rouge, LA?

Housing in Baton Rouge, LA is 3.5% cheaper than in Fayetteville, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,275/month in Baton Rouge, LA compared to $1,270/month in Fayetteville, NC.

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

Moving from Fayetteville, NC to Baton Rouge, LA could save you approximately $82 per month, or $978 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fayetteville, NC vs Baton Rouge, LA: 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 Fayetteville, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $81.52/month moving to Baton Rouge, LA

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.0K in Baton Rouge, LA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$81.52

Savings

Annual Impact

$978

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Fayetteville, NC

Population:209K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$238K

Baton Rouge, LA

Population:227K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$234K

Fayetteville, NC

The Tar Heel State

209K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 209K residents.

Baton Rouge, LA

The Pelican State

227K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fayetteville, NC vs Baton Rouge, LA

Category	Fayetteville, NC	Baton Rouge, LA	Difference	Change
Other	$1,607/mo	$1,758/mo	↑ $151more	9.4%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$471/mo	↓ $130less	21.6%
Housing	$2,209/mo	$2,131/mo	↓ $77.96less	3.5%
Transportation	$1,202/mo	$1,243/mo	↑ $40.98more	3.4%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$486/mo	↓ $32.79less	6.3%
Groceries	$959/mo	$969/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.0%

Other

↑ 9.4%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,607

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,758

Difference

$151

Healthcare

↓ 21.6%

Fayetteville, NC

$601

Baton Rouge, LA

$471

Difference

$130

less

Housing

↓ 3.5%

Fayetteville, NC

$2,209

Baton Rouge, LA

$2,131

Difference

$77.96

less

Transportation

↑ 3.4%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,202

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,243

Difference

$40.98

All Utilities

↓ 6.3%

Fayetteville, NC

$519

Baton Rouge, LA

$486

Difference

$32.79

less

Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Fayetteville, NC

$959

Baton Rouge, LA

$969

Difference

$9.99

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,110

To$1,090

↓ $20.00

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$1,125

↓ $5.00

2 Bed

From$1,270

To$1,275

↑ $5.00

3 Bed

From$1,690

To$1,600

↓ $90.00

Fayetteville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,280/mo

Baton Rouge, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,600/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.

$7,097

Monthly in Fayetteville, NC

$7,058

Monthly in Baton Rouge, LA

$39.22

Difference

Home Values

Fayetteville

Baton Rouge

$238K

Median Value

$234K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -1.9%

↑ +45.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

$195K - $271K

Price Range

$64K - $344K

Homes in Baton Rouge are 1% less expensive than Fayetteville

Calculate payment - Fayetteville Calculate payment - Baton Rouge

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $625

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$52.08

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

Fayetteville, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Additional Tax Information

Fayetteville, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Baton Rouge, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.