Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Lafayette is 39% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,065/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 55%
$61,454/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 42%
$251,300 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 81%
$1,057/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 52%
121,537
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $586/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $7,032/year.

Median household income is $25,525/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Sparks — common questions

Is Lafayette or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Sparks?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $586/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Sparks?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $25,525/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Nevada?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and Sparks

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler