salaryBaton Rouge is 14% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Chicago to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,107
$1,983
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,148
$1,622
💵 Families earn per year
$53,919
$84,017
🔑 Buying a house
$234,700
$334,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
90.8
103.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,459
$4,943
⚡ Electric bill per month
$176
$90
👥 People living there
222,771
2,711,226
Commute to work
21 min
33.1 min
College degree
36.6%
44.3%
Own their home
47.8%
46%
Below poverty line
25.7%
16.8%
Unemployment
9.2%
8%
Bottom line
- Pick Baton Rouge for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Baton Rouge | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $33,260 | $82,820 | +149% in Chicago |
| Police Officer | $48,710 | $107,810 | +121% in Chicago |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $15,080 | $31,200 | +107% in Chicago |
| Lawyer | $102,070 | $165,660 | +62% in Chicago |
| Electrician | $65,330 | $102,350 | +57% in Chicago |
| Nursing Assistant | $31,220 | $46,940 | +50% in Chicago |
| Carpenter | $55,630 | $80,440 | +45% in Chicago |
| Plumber | $74,240 | $103,380 | +39% in Chicago |
Frequently asked questions
Is Baton Rouge or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Baton Rouge is about 14% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,107 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match $60,000 in Baton Rouge?
About $68,470 a year gives the same standard of living in Chicago.
Where do people earn more, Baton Rouge or Chicago?
The typical household earns $53,919 in Baton Rouge and $84,017 in Chicago, 36% more in Chicago.