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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Columbus is 8% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,224/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 13%
$65,327/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 6%
$234,500 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 7%
$1,243/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 15%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $3,873/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus 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, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Lafayette?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Lafayette?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $3,873/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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More Comparisons

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