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

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Atlanta is 58% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,617/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 34%
$81,938/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 25%
$420,600 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 40%
$1,695/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 38%
499,287
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $552/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $6,624/year.

Median household income is $20,484/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Atlanta or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Lafayette?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $552/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Lafayette?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $20,484/year higher in Atlanta.
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 Atlanta or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Lafayette details →

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