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

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Ventura

California
183

Lafayette is 58% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,065/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 97%
$61,454/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 63%
$251,300 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 210%
$1,057/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 100%
121,537
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,036/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $12,432/year.

Median household income is $38,953/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Ventura — common questions

Is Lafayette or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Ventura?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $1,036/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Ventura?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $38,953/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and Ventura

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