Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Elk Grove is 118% more expensive than Lafayette.

$2,180/mo ↑ 105%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 51%
$122,229/yr ↑ 99%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 50%
$603,400 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 58%
$2,227/mo ↑ 111%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 53%
177,221
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,115/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $13,380/year.

Median household income is $60,775/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Lafayette?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $1,115/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Lafayette?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $60,775/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Lafayette

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield