Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Lafayette is 23% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,065/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 23%
$61,454/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 4%
$251,300 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 39%
$1,057/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 30%
121,537
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $2,446/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Lafayette or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Wilmington?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $246/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Wilmington?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $2,446/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and North Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

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