Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Lafayette is 26% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,065/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 11%
$61,454/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 4%
$251,300 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 41%
$1,057/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 5%
121,537
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $2,738/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Peoria — common questions

Is Lafayette or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Peoria?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Peoria?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $2,738/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Illinois?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and Peoria

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo