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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Fort Collins is 78% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,661/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 36%
$83,598/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 26%
$548,400 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 54%
$1,692/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 38%
169,705
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $596/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $7,152/year.

Median household income is $22,144/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Lafayette?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $596/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Lafayette?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $22,144/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 Fort Collins or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Lafayette

Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield