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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Los Angeles is 143% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,879/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 43%
$80,366/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 24%
$879,500 ↑ 250%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 71%
$2,055/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 49%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $814/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $9,768/year.

Median household income is $18,912/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Lafayette?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $814/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Lafayette?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $18,912/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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