Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Miami is 68% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,657/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 36%
$59,390/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 3%
$475,200 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 47%
$1,666/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 37%
446,663
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $592/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $7,104/year.

Median household income is $2,064/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Miami or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Lafayette?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $592/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Lafayette?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $2,064/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Louisiana?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Lafayette details →

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