Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Jacksonville is 19% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,375/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 23%
$66,981/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 8%
$266,100 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 6%
$1,324/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 20%
961,739
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $5,527/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Lafayette?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Lafayette?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $5,527/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Louisiana?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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.
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