Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs Richmond, CA (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Richmond

California
161

Lafayette is 52% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,065/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 78%
$61,454/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 47%
$251,300 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 159%
$1,057/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 91%
121,537
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $830/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $9,960/year.

Median household income is $28,584/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Richmond — common questions

Is Lafayette or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Richmond?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $830/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Richmond?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $28,584/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and California?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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