The cost of living in Baton Rouge is lower than the national average. Compared to most cities in the country, the cost of living in Baton Rouge is 9.6% cheaper. The Good Side There are several advantages of living in Baton Rouge in terms of costs. One of the significant advantages is the cost of housing. The cost of housing is cheaper here than the national average. As of this writing, it is 29% more affordable than the US average. The rating equates to a median home cost of about US$198,400. The amount is cheaper than the national average of US$291,700. Regarding the cost of food and grocery, Baton Rouge is also cheaper. It is 4.7% more affordable than the rest of the country. The cost of healthcare is 2.9% cheaper than the national average. Also, the price of utilities is 11.2% more affordable. All of these commodities are cheaper than the national average. These make a living in Baton Rouge an advantage, budget-wise. The Bad Side There is one culprit when it comes to costs in Baton Rouge. This culprit is the cost of transportation. As of this writing, transportation costs in Baton Rouge are higher by 11.4% than the national average. It is more expensive to travel within Baton Rouge than in other major cities in the country. Whether you have a car and spend on gas or public transportation, it is more expensive here. And speaking of public transportation, Baton Rouge is also looking bad at its unreliable. You may count on it if you are traveling within the city center. However, if your destination is outside the city center, don’t count on it.