Is Baton Rouge, LA cheaper than Huntsville, AL?

Based on cost of living data, Baton Rouge, LA is 3.5% cheaper than Huntsville, AL. This translates to saving $260 per month.

What salary do I need in Baton Rouge, LA to live like I do in Huntsville, AL?

If you earn $150,000 in Huntsville, AL, you'd need approximately $146,878.996 in Baton Rouge, LA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Huntsville, AL and Baton Rouge, LA?

Housing in Baton Rouge, LA is 2.3% more expensive than in Huntsville, AL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,275/month in Baton Rouge, LA compared to $1,447/month in Huntsville, AL.

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

Moving from Huntsville, AL to Baton Rouge, LA could save you approximately $260 per month, or $3121 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Huntsville, AL 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 Huntsville, AL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $260/month moving to Baton Rouge, LA

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.9K in Baton Rouge, LA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$260

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.1K

Per year

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

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$310K

Baton Rouge, LA

Population:227K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$234K

Huntsville, AL

The Heart of Dixie

226K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 226K 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: Huntsville, AL vs Baton Rouge, LA

Category	Huntsville, AL	Baton Rouge, LA	Difference	Change
All Utilities	$563/mo	$486/mo	↓ $76.79less	13.6%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$471/mo	↓ $64.42less	12.0%
Transportation	$1,303/mo	$1,243/mo	↓ $59.46less	4.6%
Other	$1,705/mo	$1,758/mo	↑ $52.67more	3.1%
Housing	$2,084/mo	$2,131/mo	↑ $47.22more	2.3%
Groceries	$999/mo	$969/mo	↓ $29.28less	2.9%

All Utilities

↓ 13.6%

Huntsville, AL

$563

Baton Rouge, LA

$486

Difference

$76.79

less

Healthcare

↓ 12.0%

Huntsville, AL

$535

Baton Rouge, LA

$471

Difference

$64.42

less

Transportation

↓ 4.6%

Huntsville, AL

$1,303

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,243

Difference

$59.46

less

Other

↑ 3.1%

Huntsville, AL

$1,705

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,758

Difference

$52.67

Housing

↑ 2.3%

Huntsville, AL

$2,084

Baton Rouge, LA

$2,131

Difference

$47.22

Groceries

↓ 2.9%

Huntsville, AL

$999

Baton Rouge, LA

$969

Difference

$29.28

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,138

To$1,090

↓ $48.00

1 Bed

From$1,257

To$1,125

↓ $132

2 Bed

From$1,447

To$1,275

↓ $172

3 Bed

From$1,864

To$1,600

↓ $264

Huntsville, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,710/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.

$7,188

Monthly in Huntsville, AL

$7,058

Monthly in Baton Rouge, LA

$130

Difference

Home Values

Huntsville

Baton Rouge

$310K

Median Value

$234K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -1.9%

↑ +29.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

$153K - $382K

Price Range

$64K - $344K

Homes in Baton Rouge are 24% less expensive than Huntsville

Calculate payment - Huntsville Calculate payment - Baton Rouge

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $290

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$24.17

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Huntsville, AL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alabama State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,794/month

$105.5K

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

Huntsville, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%

Property Tax:0.4%

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.