Cost of Living: Midland, TX vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Midland

Texas
99
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Midland is 29% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,407/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 24%
$91,169/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 33%
$298,600 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 16%
$1,468/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 28%
133,998
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

18.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Midland, TX and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $342/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $4,104/year.

Median household income is $29,715/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Midland is $298,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Midland vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Midland or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Midland and Lafayette?
Median rent in Midland is $1,407/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $342/month.
Which city has higher income, Midland or Lafayette?
Median household income is $91,169 in Midland and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $29,715/year higher in Midland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Midland or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Midland has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,407/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 Midland details → View Lafayette details →

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