Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Dallas is 26% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,403/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 24%
$67,760/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 9%
$295,300 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 15%
$1,409/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 25%
1,299,553
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $6,306/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Dallas or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Lafayette?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Lafayette?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $6,306/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Lafayette details →

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