Cost of Living: Ontario, CA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Ontario

California
152
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Ontario is 97% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,916/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 44%
$82,806/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 26%
$568,000 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 56%
$1,967/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 46%
178,347
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $851/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $10,212/year.

Median household income is $21,352/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Ontario or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Lafayette?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $851/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Lafayette?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $21,352/year higher in Ontario.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Ontario or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Lafayette

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield