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

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Denton is 30% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,344/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 21%
$73,719/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 17%
$325,700 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 23%
$1,461/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 28%
146,987
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denton, TX and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $12,265/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Denton 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 Denton and Lafayette?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Lafayette?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $12,265/year higher in Denton.
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 Denton or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/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 Denton details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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