Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Phoenix is 42% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,458/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 27%
$77,041/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 20%
$381,900 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 34%
$1,430/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 26%
1,624,832
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $393/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $4,716/year.

Median household income is $15,587/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Phoenix or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Lafayette?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $393/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Lafayette?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $15,587/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Louisiana?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Lafayette details →

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