63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Baton Rouge wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Baton Rouge wins 0–3 overall (74/100)
💰 Baton Rouge is more affordable
💼 Baton Rouge has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Baton Rouge — The Verdict
Baton Rouge scores 74/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Baton Rouge has a clear edge with home prices 29% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 18 fewer declarations in 20 years. Baton Rouge may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Baton Rouge are 29% lower — a difference of $86,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Baton Rouge saves you $304/month — that's $3,648 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $21,518 more per year (43% higher median income).
🌬️
Baton Rouge has cleaner air with an AQI 33 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 18 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$217,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,010
Median Income
$71,673
$50,155
The affordability gap is significant — Baton Rouge offers home prices 29% lower than Chicago, translating to $86,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.2%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
27 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Baton Rouge wins on air quality with an AQI 33 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
28
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 18 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Baton Rouge: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Baton Rouge cheaper to live in?
Baton Rouge is more affordable overall. Home prices are $86,800 lower in Baton Rouge. Monthly rent is $1,010 in Baton Rouge vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Baton Rouge have better weather?
Baton Rouge scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Baton Rouge better for finding a job?
Baton Rouge currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.2% in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $50,155 in Baton Rouge.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Baton Rouge?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 28 in Baton Rouge. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Baton Rouge.
Should I move from Chicago to Baton Rouge?
Based on our data, Baton Rouge scores 74.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Baton Rouge is more affordable, while Baton Rouge has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.