Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Alexandria is 96% more expensive than Lafayette.

$2,031/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 48%
$113,638/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 46%
$696,800 ↑ 177%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 64%
$2,173/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 51%
156,788
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $966/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $11,592/year.

Median household income is $52,184/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Alexandria or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Lafayette?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $966/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Lafayette?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $52,184/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Louisiana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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