Lafayette, LA vs Santa Maria, CA: 77 vs 137

$1,065/mo ↓ 42%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 73%

$61,454/yr ↓ 27%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 38%

$251,300 ↓ 47%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 90%

$1,057/mo ↓ 41%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 69%

121,537

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $777/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $9,324/year.

Median household income is $23,163/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Lafayette or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $777/month.

Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $23,163/year higher in Santa Maria.

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 Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Lafayette

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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