San Bernardino vs Baton Rouge: Cost of Living (2026)

A side-by-side comparison of San Bernardino, CA and Baton Rouge, LA, using US Census Bureau data.

MetricSan Bernardino, CABaton Rouge, LA
Population221,041225,500
Median household income$61,323$50,155
Median home value$347,100$217,700
Median rent (/mo)$1,319$1,010

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Highlighted cell = more affordable / higher income.

Comparing San Bernardino, CA and Baton Rouge, LA comes down to what you value most. Baton Rouge has the lower median home value, and Baton Rouge has the lower median rent.

San Bernardino has the higher median household income, which affects how far a paycheck stretches against local housing costs. The table below breaks down the key numbers side by side, all sourced from the US Census Bureau.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to live in San Bernardino or Baton Rouge?
By median home value, Baton Rouge is the cheaper of the two ($217,700 vs $347,100). Rent and income differ too — see the full comparison above.
Which has higher salaries, San Bernardino or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $61,323 in San Bernardino versus $50,155 in Baton Rouge, per the US Census Bureau.

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