Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Lafayette is 35% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,065/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 60%
$61,454/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 13%
$251,300 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 47%
$1,057/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 58%
121,537
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $644/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $7,728/year.

Median household income is $7,807/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Lafayette or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $644/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $7,807/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Florida?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and West Palm Beach

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings