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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Arlington is 23% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,389/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 23%
$73,519/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 16%
$276,400 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 9%
$1,420/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 26%
394,769
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $324/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $3,888/year.

Median household income is $12,065/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Arlington or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Lafayette?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $324/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Lafayette?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $12,065/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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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