Cost of Living: New Haven, CT vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

New Haven is 23% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,442/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 26%
$53,771/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 14%
$249,000 ≈ Same
Home Value
$251,300 ≈ Same
$1,520/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 30%
132,893
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $7,683/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Lafayette — common questions

Is New Haven or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Lafayette?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Lafayette?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $7,683/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Louisiana?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/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 New Haven details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Haven and Lafayette

New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield