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

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Beaumont

Texas
66

Lafayette is 17% more expensive than Beaumont.

$1,065/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ≈ Same
$61,454/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$57,530/yr ↓ 6%
$251,300 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$158,800 ↓ 37%
$1,057/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,031/mo ↓ 2%
121,537
Population
113,710

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Beaumont, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,924/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $158,800 in Beaumont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Beaumont — common questions

Is Lafayette or Beaumont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Beaumont is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Beaumont?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Beaumont it's $1,072/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Beaumont?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $57,530 in Beaumont. Median household income is $3,924/year higher in Lafayette.
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 Beaumont?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Beaumont has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Beaumont details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and Beaumont

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield Beaumont vs. Springfield Beaumont vs. Gresham Beaumont vs. Odessa Beaumont vs. Las Cruces Beaumont vs. Elgin Beaumont vs. Lansing