Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Modesto is 56% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,609/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 34%
$77,899/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 21%
$415,600 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 40%
$1,613/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 34%
218,614
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $544/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $6,528/year.

Median household income is $16,445/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Modesto or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Lafayette?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $544/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Lafayette?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $16,445/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield