Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Lafayette is 35% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,065/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 51%
$61,454/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 24%
$251,300 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 57%
$1,057/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 58%
121,537
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $538/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $6,456/year.

Median household income is $14,751/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Lowell — common questions

Is Lafayette or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Lowell?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $538/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Lowell?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $14,751/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Massachusetts?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Lowell details →

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