Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Kansas City is 16% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,073/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ≈ Same
$59,183/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 4%
$147,100 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 71%
$1,054/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ≈ Same
154,776
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,271/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Kansas City or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Lafayette?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Lafayette?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $2,271/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Louisiana?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/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 Kansas City details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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