Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Lafayette is 36% 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%
State 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.
View Lafayette details → View Ann Arbor details →

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