Moving from St. Louis to Baton Rouge (2026)
Baton Rouge has a COL index of 87 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 0% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Baton Rouge to match your St. Louis lifestyle
Based on the 0% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. Louis | Equivalent in Baton Rouge |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,000 |
| $50K | $50,000 |
| $60K | $60,000 |
| $75K | $75,000 |
| $80K | $80,000 |
| $100K | $100,000 |
| $120K | $120,000 |
| $150K | $150,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — St. Louis vs Baton Rouge
| Expense | St. Louis | Baton Rouge |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,447 | $4,472 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $369 | $365 |
| Transport | $75 | $45 |
| Utilities | $162 | $212 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,481 | $2,590 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Baton Rouge cheaper than St. Louis?
No. Baton Rouge has a cost of living index of 87 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). That's about 0% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from St. Louis to Baton Rouge?
On a $75K salary, moving from St. Louis to Baton Rouge could save roughly $84/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,008/year.
What salary do I need in Baton Rouge to match my St. Louis lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Louis, you'd need roughly $75,000/year in Baton Rouge. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only