Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Columbus is 10% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,072/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ≈ Same
$56,622/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 9%
$182,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 38%
$1,064/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ≈ Same
204,383
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,832/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Columbus or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Lafayette?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Lafayette?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $4,832/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Louisiana?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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 Columbus details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Lafayette

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