Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Lafayette is 174% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,065/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 100%
$61,454/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 77%
$251,300 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 438%
$1,057/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 121%
121,537
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.45%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,062/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $12,744/year.

Median household income is $47,104/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Lafayette or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Berkeley?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,062/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Berkeley?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $47,104/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and California?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Berkeley details →