Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Lakewood is 83% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,746/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 39%
$85,789/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 28%
$548,200 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 54%
$1,729/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 39%
156,309
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $681/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $8,172/year.

Median household income is $24,335/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Lakewood or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Lafayette?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $681/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Lafayette?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $24,335/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Louisiana?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Lafayette details →

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