Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Lafayette is 15% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,065/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 28%
$61,454/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 2%
$251,300 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 7%
$1,057/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 24%
121,537
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $1,335/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Lafayette or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and North Charleston?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or North Charleston?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $1,335/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and South Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and North Charleston

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