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

Orange

California
206
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Orange is 168% more expensive than Lafayette.

$2,252/mo ↑ 111%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 53%
$116,945/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 47%
$900,700 ↑ 258%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 72%
$2,394/mo ↑ 126%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 56%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,187/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $14,244/year.

Median household income is $55,491/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Orange or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Lafayette?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $1,187/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Lafayette?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $55,491/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Lafayette

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield