Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)
Lafayette
Louisiana
77
VS
Ann Arbor
Michigan
121
Lafayette is 44% cheaper than Ann Arbor.
$1,065/mo
↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo
↑ 46%
$61,454/yr
↓ 24%
Median Income
$81,089/yr
↑ 32%
$251,300
↓ 42%
Home Value
$435,100
↑ 73%
$1,057/mo
↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo
↑ 55%
121,537
Population
121,179
Tax Comparison
4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.45%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.38%
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income
Detailed Comparison
When comparing Lafayette, LA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are
77 and 121 respectively
(national median = 100). Rent is $487/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $5,844/year.
Median household income is $19,635/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300
compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lafayette vs Ann Arbor — common questions
Is Lafayette or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $487/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $19,635/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Michigan?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.