Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Plano is 71% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,792/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 41%
$108,649/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 43%
$440,600 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 43%
$1,829/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 42%
287,339
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $727/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $8,724/year.

Median household income is $47,195/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Plano or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Lafayette?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $727/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Lafayette?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $47,195/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Lafayette details →

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