Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Little Rock is 4% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,067/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ≈ Same
$60,583/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 1%
$221,200 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 14%
$1,099/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 4%
202,739
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $871/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Little Rock or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Lafayette?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Lafayette?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $871/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Louisiana?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/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 Little Rock details → View Lafayette details →

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