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

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Lafayette is 90% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,065/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 106%
$61,454/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 67%
$251,300 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 136%
$1,057/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 111%
121,537
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,126/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $13,512/year.

Median household income is $40,867/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Lafayette or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Fairfield?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,126/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Fairfield?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $40,867/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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