Rent vs Buy Calculator for Baton Rouge, LA
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Baton Rouge's price-to-rent ratio is 22.9 — generally favoring renting unless you plan to stay long-term. Median rent is $800/mo vs a $220,000 purchase price.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Baton Rouge local data
How Baton Rouge Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Baton Rouge stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $220,000 | $420,800 | -47.7% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $800 | $1,713 | -53.3% |
| Median Household Income | $55,800 | $74,580 | -25.2% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.55% | 1.10% | -50.0% |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Baton Rouge Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 870,000
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Avg Commute
- 25 min
- Median Age
- 33.3
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 22.9x
- Annual Property Tax
- $1,210
Rent vs Buy Calculator in Other Louisiana Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Baton Rouge
What is the median home price in Baton Rouge, LA?
The median home price in Baton Rouge is $220,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Baton Rouge?
Median monthly rent in Baton Rouge is $800. That works out to $9,600/year, or 17% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Baton Rouge affordable?
Baton Rouge's cost of living index is 88 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $55,800/year and a median home price of $220,000, the price-to-income ratio is 3.9x. Baton Rouge remains relatively affordable compared to many US metros.
What is the property tax rate in Baton Rouge?
The effective property tax rate in Baton Rouge is 0.55% of assessed value. On the median home of $220,000, that's roughly $1,210/year ($101/month).