Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Elizabeth is 45% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,463/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 27%
$63,874/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 4%
$393,500 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 36%
$1,543/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 31%
135,887
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $2,420/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Lafayette?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Lafayette?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $2,420/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Louisiana?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Lafayette

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield