Is Baton Rouge, LA cheaper than Lexington, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Baton Rouge, LA is 2.2% cheaper than Lexington, KY. This translates to saving $161 per month.

What salary do I need in Baton Rouge, LA to live like I do in Lexington, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington, KY, you'd need approximately $148,064.516 in Baton Rouge, LA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington, KY and Baton Rouge, LA?

Housing in Baton Rouge, LA is 8.9% cheaper than in Lexington, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,275/month in Baton Rouge, LA compared to $1,390/month in Lexington, KY.

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

Moving from Lexington, KY to Baton Rouge, LA could save you approximately $161 per month, or $1935 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington, KY vs Baton Rouge, LA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Lexington, KY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $161/month moving to Baton Rouge, LA

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.1K in Baton Rouge, LA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$161

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.9K

Per year

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

Lexington, KY

Population:323K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$345K

Baton Rouge, LA

Population:227K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$234K

Lexington, KY

The Bluegrass State

323K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 323K 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: Lexington, KY vs Baton Rouge, LA

Category	Lexington, KY	Baton Rouge, LA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,339/mo	$2,131/mo	↓ $208less	8.9%
Other	$1,641/mo	$1,758/mo	↑ $117more	7.1%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$471/mo	↓ $80.54less	14.6%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,243/mo	↑ $27.32more	2.2%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$486/mo	↑ $21.86more	4.7%
Groceries	$959/mo	$969/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.0%

Housing

↓ 8.9%

Lexington, KY

$2,339

Baton Rouge, LA

$2,131

Difference

$208

less

Other

↑ 7.1%

Lexington, KY

$1,641

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,758

Difference

$117

Healthcare

↓ 14.6%

Lexington, KY

$551

Baton Rouge, LA

$471

Difference

$80.54

less

Transportation

↑ 2.2%

Lexington, KY

$1,216

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,243

Difference

$27.32

All Utilities

↑ 4.7%

Lexington, KY

$464

Baton Rouge, LA

$486

Difference

$21.86

Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Lexington, KY

$959

Baton Rouge, LA

$969

Difference

$9.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Lexington, KY: Lexington Occupational Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Baton Rouge, LA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$960

To$1,090

↑ $130

1 Bed

From$1,180

To$1,125

↓ $55.00

2 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,275

↓ $115

3 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,600

↓ $300

Lexington, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $940–$1,500/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.

$7,170

Monthly in Lexington, KY

$7,058

Monthly in Baton Rouge, LA

$112

Difference

Home Values

Lexington

Baton Rouge

$345K

Median Value

$234K

↑ +5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.9%

↑ +43.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

$214K - $711K

Price Range

$64K - $344K

Homes in Baton Rouge are 32% less expensive than Lexington

Calculate payment - Lexington Calculate payment - Baton Rouge

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $250

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$20.83

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Lexington, KY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kentucky State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/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

Lexington, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.