Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Lafayette is 29% cheaper than Brandon.

$1,065/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 59%
$61,454/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↑ 25%
$251,300 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$293,800 ↑ 17%
$1,057/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 46%
121,537
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $626/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $7,512/year.

Median household income is $15,614/year higher in Brandon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Brandon — common questions

Is Lafayette or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Brandon?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $626/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Brandon?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $15,614/year higher in Brandon.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Florida?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Brandon details →

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