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

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Lafayette is 27% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,065/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 45%
$61,454/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 5%
$251,300 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 30%
$1,057/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 33%
121,537
Population
117,075

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
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $474/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $5,688/year.

Median household income is $2,986/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Lafayette or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Clearwater?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $474/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Clearwater?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $2,986/year higher in Clearwater.
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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and Clearwater

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville