Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Denver is 91% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,770/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 40%
$91,681/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 33%
$586,700 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 57%
$1,839/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 43%
713,734
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $705/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $8,460/year.

Median household income is $30,227/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Denver or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Lafayette?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $705/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Lafayette?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $30,227/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Louisiana?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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