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

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Temecula

California
179

Lafayette is 57% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,065/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 116%
$61,454/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 92%
$251,300 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 155%
$1,057/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 130%
121,537
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,232/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $14,784/year.

Median household income is $56,386/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Temecula — common questions

Is Lafayette or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Temecula?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $1,232/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Temecula?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $56,386/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Temecula details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and Temecula

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield Temecula vs. Costa Mesa Temecula vs. Ventura Temecula vs. Everett Temecula vs. Santa Maria Temecula vs. Miami Gardens Temecula vs. Sugar Land