Cost of Living: Arvada, CO vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Arvada is 75% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,802/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 41%
$113,396/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 46%
$600,800 ↑ 139%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 58%
$1,948/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 46%
122,835
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
Sales Tax
4.45%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $737/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $8,844/year.

Median household income is $51,942/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Arvada or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and Lafayette?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $737/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or Lafayette?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $51,942/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Louisiana?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/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 Arvada details → View Lafayette details →