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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Kansas City is 4% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,186/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 10%
$67,449/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 9%
$227,000 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 11%
$1,205/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 12%
508,233
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $121/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $1,452/year.

Median household income is $5,995/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 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, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Lafayette?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $121/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Lafayette?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $5,995/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Louisiana?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% 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 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 →

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