Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Cincinnati is 10% cheaper than Lafayette.

$953/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 12%
$51,707/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 19%
$215,300 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 17%
$1,041/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 2%
309,595
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $9,747/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Lafayette?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Lafayette?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $9,747/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Louisiana?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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.
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