Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Chicago is 30% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,380/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 23%
$75,134/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 18%
$315,200 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 20%
$1,502/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 30%
2,707,648
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $13,680/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Chicago or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Lafayette?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Lafayette?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $13,680/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Louisiana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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