Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Meridian is 70% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,714/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 38%
$98,686/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 38%
$485,000 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 48%
$1,607/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 34%
124,865
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $649/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $7,788/year.

Median household income is $37,232/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Meridian or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Lafayette?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $649/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Lafayette?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $37,232/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Louisiana?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/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 Meridian details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Lafayette

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield