Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Madison is 34% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,364/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 22%
$76,983/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 20%
$346,900 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 28%
$1,476/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 28%
275,568
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $15,529/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Madison or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Lafayette?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Lafayette?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $15,529/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Louisiana?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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.
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