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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $206/month more in Baton Rouge, LA

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.5K in Baton Rouge, LA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area
Overall Cost
2.7%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$206
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$2.5K
Per year

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

Little Rock, AR

Population:204K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$261K

Baton Rouge, LA

Population:227K
Cost Index:
103
(3% above avg)
Median Home:$234K

Little Rock, AR

The Natural State

204K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Arkansas, this city has a population of 204K 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: Little Rock, AR vs Baton Rouge, LA

Housing
12.1%
Little Rock, AR
$1,900
Baton Rouge, LA
$2,131
Difference
$231
more
Healthcare
11.9%
Little Rock, AR
$534
Baton Rouge, LA
$471
Difference
$63.56
less
All Utilities
9.6%
Little Rock, AR
$538
Baton Rouge, LA
$486
Difference
$51.56
less
Transportation
2.9%
Little Rock, AR
$1,280
Baton Rouge, LA
$1,243
Difference
$37.09
less
Other
2.0%
Little Rock, AR
$1,724
Baton Rouge, LA
$1,758
Difference
$33.76
more
Groceries
1.7%
Little Rock, AR
$953
Baton Rouge, LA
$969
Difference
$16.07
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,050
To$1,090
$40.00
1 Bed
From$1,061
To$1,125
$64.00
2 Bed
From$1,226
To$1,275
$49.00
3 Bed
From$1,648
To$1,600
$48.00
Little Rock, ARZIP-level data

1BR range: $890$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.

$6,930
Monthly in Little Rock, AR
$7,058
Monthly in Baton Rouge, LA
$128
Difference

Home Values

Little Rock
Baton Rouge
$261K
Median Value
$234K
↑ +1.4%
YoY Change
↓ -1.9%
↑ +27.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +15.3%
$109K - $468K
Price Range
$64K - $344K

Homes in Baton Rouge are 10% less expensive than Little Rock

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$1.3K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$106
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.8%
Rate difference

Little Rock, AR

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Arkansas State Tax
Effective: 6.0%
$9.0K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.7%
$46.0K
Take-Home Pay
$8,664/month
$104.0K

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

Little Rock, AR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.4%
Property Tax:0.6%

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.

Environment

Little Rock
Baton Rouge
55 Moderate
Air Quality
51 Moderate
34.4%
Good Air Days
48.9%
99 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🫨
Top Hazards
🌊🌀🌡
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.2°F
54 days
Heat Days >95°F
51 days
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.2°F
54 days
Heat Days >95°F
51 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Arkansas and Louisiana on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Baton Rouge, LA

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