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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Long Beach is 119% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,803/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 41%
$83,969/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 27%
$762,200 ↑ 203%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 67%
$1,890/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 44%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $22,515/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Long Beach or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Lafayette?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Lafayette?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $22,515/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Lafayette details →

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