Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Lafayette is 7% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,065/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 24%
$61,454/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 19%
$251,300 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 17%
$1,057/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 18%
121,537
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $11,576/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Odessa — common questions

Is Lafayette or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Odessa?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Odessa?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $11,576/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Texas?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and Odessa

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham