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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Pasadena is 186% more expensive than Lafayette.

$2,218/mo ↑ 108%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 52%
$103,778/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 41%
$1,045,000 ↑ 316%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 76%
$2,340/mo ↑ 121%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 55%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,153/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $13,836/year.

Median household income is $42,324/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Pasadena or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Lafayette?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $1,153/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Lafayette?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $42,324/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Lafayette details →

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