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

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Augusta is 13% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,087/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 2%
$53,134/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 16%
$162,900 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 54%
$1,053/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ≈ Same
201,504
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,320/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Augusta or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Lafayette?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $22/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Lafayette?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $8,320/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 Augusta or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/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 Augusta details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Augusta and Lafayette

Augusta vs. McKinney Augusta vs. Oxnard Augusta vs. Little Rock Augusta vs. Amarillo Augusta vs. Salt Lake City Augusta vs. Tallahassee Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield