Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Mesa is 39% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,478/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 28%
$78,779/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 22%
$364,300 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 31%
$1,404/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 25%
507,478
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $413/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $4,956/year.

Median household income is $17,325/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Mesa or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Lafayette?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $413/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Lafayette?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $17,325/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Louisiana?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% 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 Mesa or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Lafayette

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield