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

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Lafayette and Tyler have a similar cost of living.

$1,065/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↑ 13%
$61,454/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↑ 7%
$251,300 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 14%
$1,057/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↑ 11%
121,537
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $4,073/year higher in Tyler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Tyler — common questions

Is Lafayette or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Tyler?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Tyler?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $4,073/year higher in Tyler.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Tyler details →

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