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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Pittsburgh and Lafayette have a similar cost of living.

$1,221/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 13%
$64,137/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 4%
$193,200 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 30%
$1,136/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 7%
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $2,683/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Lafayette?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Lafayette?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $2,683/year higher in Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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.
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