Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Lafayette is 5% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,065/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 6%
$61,454/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 21%
$251,300 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 6%
$1,057/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 2%
121,537
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $12,918/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Lafayette or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $12,918/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Alabama?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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