Cost of Living in Baton Rouge, LA

Population: 223,699 • 2026 Data

$49,944
Median Household Income
-35% vs national
$1,044
Median Monthly Rent
-23% vs national
$224,500
Median Home Value
-34% vs national
9.0%
Unemployment Rate

Housing in Baton Rouge

The median home value in Baton Rouge, LA is $224,500. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,044, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,043.

Rent-to-income ratio: 25.1%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.

Income and Employment

The median household income in Baton Rouge, LA is $49,944. The unemployment rate stands at 9.0%, with a labor force of 112,199 people.

Compare Baton Rouge With Other Cities

Baton Rouge vs New York, NY → Baton Rouge vs Los Angeles, CA → Baton Rouge vs Chicago, IL → Baton Rouge vs Houston, TX → Baton Rouge vs Phoenix, AZ → Baton Rouge vs Philadelphia, PA → Baton Rouge vs San Antonio, TX → Baton Rouge vs San Diego, CA → Baton Rouge vs Dallas, TX → Baton Rouge vs San Jose, CA → Baton Rouge vs Austin, TX → Baton Rouge vs Jacksonville, FL →

Other Cities in Louisiana

New Orleans, LA → Shreveport, LA → Metairie, LA → Lafayette, LA → Lake Charles, LA → Kenner, LA → Bossier City, LA → Monroe, LA →

Data Sources

All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.

Verify at data.census.gov