Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Baltimore is 9% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,290/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 17%
$59,623/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 3%
$219,300 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 15%
$1,333/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 21%
577,193
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $1,831/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Baltimore or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Lafayette?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Lafayette?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $1,831/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Louisiana?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Lafayette details →

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