Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs Allen, TX (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Lafayette is 44% cheaper than Allen.

$1,065/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 76%
$61,454/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 110%
$251,300 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 71%
$1,057/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 97%
121,537
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $812/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $9,744/year.

Median household income is $67,676/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Allen — common questions

Is Lafayette or Allen 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 Lafayette and Allen?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $812/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Allen?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $67,676/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Texas?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Allen details →

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