Average Rent in Baton Rouge, LA↓ Rents falling 4.3% YoY🔺 2nd priciest in LA

Baton Rouge, LA has rental prices ranging from $1,063/month to $2,023/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,081/month — 23% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $68,910/year, spending $1,081/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Baton Rouge Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,222/month, Baton Rouge ranks #2 most expensive of the 47 cities tracked in Louisiana — pricier than 83% of all US cities in our data.

The Baton Rouge Rental Market

The Baton Rouge, LA area has a population of about 871,379 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Baton Rouge, LA have fallen by $55/month (4.3%) over the past year, from $1,277 to $1,222. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Baton Rouge, LA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $43,240. The local median household income of $68,910 exceeds that threshold by $25,670, making Baton Rouge relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Baton Rouge, LA is $232,391, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 15.8. With a break-even horizon of approximately 16 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Baton Rouge's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Istrouma ($47,135 median home value), Eden Park ($49,136 median home value), Legion Village ($61,009 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Baton Rouge, LA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Baton Rouge?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Baton Rouge

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.