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

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Lafayette is 40% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,065/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 71%
$61,454/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 57%
$251,300 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 61%
$1,057/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 70%
121,537
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $760/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $9,120/year.

Median household income is $34,803/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Richardson — common questions

Is Lafayette or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Richardson?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $760/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Richardson?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $34,803/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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