Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Lafayette is 10% cheaper than Billings.

$1,065/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 3%
$61,454/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 17%
$251,300 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 24%
$1,057/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 11%
121,537
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,401/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Billings — common questions

Is Lafayette or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Billings?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Billings?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $10,401/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Montana?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and Billings

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston