Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Boston is 129% more expensive than Lafayette.

$2,093/mo ↑ 97%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 49%
$94,755/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 35%
$710,400 ↑ 183%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 65%
$2,176/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 51%
663,972
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,028/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $12,336/year.

Median household income is $33,301/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Boston or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Lafayette?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $1,028/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Lafayette?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $33,301/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Louisiana?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Lafayette

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield