Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Montgomery is 17% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,059/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ≈ Same
$55,687/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 10%
$148,500 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 69%
$1,023/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 3%
198,440
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,767/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Montgomery or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Lafayette?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Lafayette?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $5,767/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Louisiana?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Lafayette details →

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