Buy vs Rent in Baton Rouge, LA (2026)
Median home price $240K · 1BR rent $1,200/mo · Price-to-rent ratio 16.7x.
Median home price
$240K
1BR rent
$1,200/mo
Price-to-rent ratio
16.7x
Verdict
Neutral
Monthly cost of buying — 3 scenarios
30-year mortgage at 7% · Includes property tax, insurance, and maintenance estimates
| 3.5% down (FHA) | 10% down | 20% down (conventional) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment | $8,400 | $24,000 | $48,000 |
| Mortgage (P&I) | $1,541/mo | $1,437/mo | $1,277/mo |
| Property tax (est.) | $220/mo | $220/mo | $220/mo |
| Insurance (est.) | $100/mo | $100/mo | $100/mo |
| Maintenance (est.) | $200/mo | $200/mo | $200/mo |
| Total monthly cost | $2,061vs rent: +$861/mo | $1,957vs rent: +$757/mo | $1,797vs rent: +$597/mo |
| Income to qualify | $66,043/yr | $61,586/yr | $54,729/yr |
| Break-even (approx.) | ~1 yrs | ~3 yrs | ~7 yrs |
Baton Rouge housing context
$52K
Median HH income
per year
$54,729
Income needed (20% down)
per year
+$3K
Affordability gap
vs median income
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to buy or rent in Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge's price-to-rent ratio of 16.7x is in the neutral zone (15-20x). Whether to buy or rent depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and your personal finances.
How much do I need to earn to buy a home in Baton Rouge?
With a median home price of $240K in Baton Rouge, you'd need an annual income of roughly $54,729 to qualify with 20% down (at 7% rate, 28% housing ratio). With 10% down, you'd need about $61,586/year.
Baton Rouge full cost of living breakdownCheaper cities near Baton RougeHow much to retire in Baton RougeCompare mortgage rates
Mortgage at 7% 30-yr fixed · Property tax 1.1% est. · Maintenance 1% est. · Zillow, BLS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only