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

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Lafayette is 6% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,065/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 22%
$61,454/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,947/yr ≈ Same
$251,300 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 9%
$1,057/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 9%
121,537
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $234/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $2,808/year.

Median household income is $507/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Lafayette or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Lakeland?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $234/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Lakeland?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $507/year higher in Lafayette.
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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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