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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Lancaster is 61% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,696/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 37%
$76,083/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 19%
$409,100 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 39%
$1,746/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 39%
170,013
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $631/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $7,572/year.

Median household income is $14,629/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Lancaster or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Lafayette?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $631/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Lafayette?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $14,629/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Lafayette

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield