Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Newark is 30% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,330/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 20%
$48,416/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 27%
$337,800 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 26%
$1,419/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 26%
307,188
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $265/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $3,180/year.

Median household income is $13,038/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Newark or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Lafayette?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $265/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Lafayette?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $13,038/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Louisiana?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Lafayette

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