Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Lafayette is 43% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,065/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 34%
$61,454/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 11%
$251,300 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 144%
$1,057/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 38%
121,537
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $6,924/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Lafayette or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $6,924/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and East Los Angeles

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo