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

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Lafayette is 26% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,065/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 11%
$61,454/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 7%
$251,300 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 38%
$1,057/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 8%
121,537
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $4,083/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Springfield — common questions

Is Lafayette or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Springfield?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Springfield?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $4,083/year higher in Springfield.
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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and Springfield

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces