Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Cary is 75% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,621/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 34%
$129,399/yr ↑ 111%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 53%
$525,200 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 52%
$1,744/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 39%
176,686
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $556/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $6,672/year.

Median household income is $67,945/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Cary or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Lafayette?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $556/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Lafayette?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $67,945/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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