71
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Baton Rouge wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Baton Rouge wins 0–2 overall (74/100)
💰 Baton Rouge is more affordable
💼 Baton Rouge has lower unemployment
🛡️ Houston has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Baton Rouge — The Verdict
Baton Rouge scores 74/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Baton Rouge edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Houston has a notably lower disaster history with 7 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Baton Rouge are 7% lower — a difference of $17,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Baton Rouge saves you $225/month — that's $2,700 per year.
💵
Households in Houston earn $10,285 more per year (21% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 15 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Houston has experienced 7 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$217,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,010
Median Income
$60,440
$50,155
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 7% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
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)
12
27 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
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)
21
28
Houston has a markedly lower disaster history — 7 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Baton Rouge: Common Questions
Is Houston or Baton Rouge cheaper to live in?
Baton Rouge is more affordable overall. Home prices are $17,300 lower in Baton Rouge. Monthly rent is $1,010 in Baton Rouge vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Baton Rouge have better weather?
Baton Rouge scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Baton Rouge better for finding a job?
Baton Rouge currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.2% in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $50,155 in Baton Rouge.
Which city is safer — Houston or Baton Rouge?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Houston is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 28 in Baton Rouge. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Baton Rouge.
Should I move from Houston to Baton Rouge?
Based on our data, Baton Rouge scores 74.0/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 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.