Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Athens is 8% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,162/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 8%
$51,655/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 19%
$271,800 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 8%
$1,163/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 9%
126,987
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $97/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $1,164/year.

Median household income is $9,799/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Athens or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Lafayette?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $97/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Lafayette?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $9,799/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Louisiana?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/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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More Comparisons

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