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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Arlington is 164% more expensive than Lafayette.

$2,275/mo ↑ 114%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 53%
$140,160/yr ↑ 128%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 56%
$864,800 ↑ 244%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 71%
$2,414/mo ↑ 128%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 56%
235,463
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,210/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $14,520/year.

Median household income is $78,706/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Lafayette?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $1,210/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Lafayette?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $78,706/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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.
View Arlington details → View Lafayette details →

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