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

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Lafayette is 66% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,065/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 125%
$61,454/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 79%
$251,300 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 320%
$1,057/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 133%
121,537
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,330/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $15,960/year.

Median household income is $48,619/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Lafayette or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,330/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $48,619/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and Costa Mesa

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria