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

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Lafayette is 33% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,065/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 60%
$61,454/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,979/yr ≈ Same
$251,300 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 34%
$1,057/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 55%
121,537
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $644/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $7,728/year.

Median household income is $475/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Lafayette or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $644/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $475/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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and Miami Gardens

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield Miami Gardens vs. Pueblo Miami Gardens vs. Everett Miami Gardens vs. Murrieta Miami Gardens vs. Costa Mesa Miami Gardens vs. Downey Miami Gardens vs. Temecula