Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Philadelphia is 10% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,323/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 20%
$60,698/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 1%
$232,400 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 8%
$1,233/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 14%
1,582,432
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $258/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $3,096/year.

Median household income is $756/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Lafayette?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $258/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Lafayette?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $756/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Louisiana?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Lafayette details →

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