Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Amarillo is 8% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,049/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 2%
$62,469/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 2%
$186,800 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 35%
$1,074/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 2%
200,945
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,015/year higher in Amarillo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Amarillo or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Lafayette?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Lafayette?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $1,015/year higher in Amarillo.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Amarillo or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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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