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

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Downey

California
169

Lafayette is 54% cheaper than Downey.

$1,065/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 78%
$61,454/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 42%
$251,300 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 190%
$1,057/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 89%
121,537
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $827/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $9,924/year.

Median household income is $25,946/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Downey — common questions

Is Lafayette or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Downey?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $827/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Downey?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $25,946/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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