Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

Baton Rouge vs Chicago

$75,000 salary · single filer · 2-bedroom apartment

Monthly take-home pay

Baton Rouge$4,894

Chicago$4,786

2-bedroom rent (HUD FMR)

Baton Rouge$1,204

Chicago$1,781

Left after rent

Baton Rouge$3,690

Chicago$3,005

Thinking about moving from Baton Rouge to Chicago on a $75k salary? On $75,000 a year, you take home $4,894/mo in Baton Rouge and $4,786/mo in Chicago after taxes. Factor in a 2-bedroom apartment and you're left with $3,690/mo in Baton Rouge vs $3,005/mo in Chicago. Numbers use 2026 tax brackets and HUD fair market rents. Treat them as a starting point, not financial advice.

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