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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

New Orleans is 17% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,211/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 12%
$55,339/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 11%
$296,400 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 15%
$1,274/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 17%
376,035
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $6,115/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Louisiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Lafayette — common questions

Is New Orleans or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Lafayette?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Lafayette?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $6,115/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Louisiana?
Both cities are in Louisiana and share the same state tax rates: 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 Orleans details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Lafayette

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