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

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Lafayette is 43% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,065/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 82%
$61,454/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 124%
$251,300 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 62%
$1,057/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 86%
121,537
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $874/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $10,488/year.

Median household income is $76,057/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Lafayette or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $874/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $76,057/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and Sugar Land

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield Sugar Land vs. Santa Maria Sugar Land vs. Greeley Sugar Land vs. Ventura Sugar Land vs. South Fulton Sugar Land vs. Temecula Sugar Land vs. Sparks