Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Omaha is 4% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,150/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 7%
$72,708/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 15%
$230,100 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 9%
$1,249/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 15%
488,197
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $11,254/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Omaha or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Lafayette?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Lafayette?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $11,254/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Louisiana?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/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 Omaha details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Omaha and Lafayette

Omaha vs. Atlanta Omaha vs. Colorado Springs Omaha vs. Mesa Omaha vs. Raleigh Omaha vs. Kansas City Omaha vs. Long Beach Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield