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

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Aurora is 69% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,759/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 39%
$84,320/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 27%
$444,500 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 43%
$1,762/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 40%
390,201
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $694/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $8,328/year.

Median household income is $22,866/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Aurora or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Lafayette?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $694/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Lafayette?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $22,866/year higher in Aurora.
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 Aurora or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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 Aurora details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Lafayette

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield