Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Durham is 36% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,412/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 25%
$79,234/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 22%
$355,300 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 29%
$1,434/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 26%
288,465
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $17,780/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Durham or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Lafayette?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Lafayette?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $17,780/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Lafayette details →

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