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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Fremont is 261% more expensive than Lafayette.

$2,905/mo ↑ 173%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 63%
$176,350/yr ↑ 187%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 65%
$1,289,400 ↑ 413%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 81%
$3,000/mo ↑ 184%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 65%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,840/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $22,080/year.

Median household income is $114,896/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Fremont or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Lafayette?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $1,840/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Lafayette?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $114,896/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Lafayette

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield