Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Portland is 79% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,596/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 33%
$88,792/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 31%
$557,600 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 55%
$1,771/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 40%
642,715
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $531/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $6,372/year.

Median household income is $27,338/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Portland or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Lafayette?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $531/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Lafayette?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $27,338/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Louisiana?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Lafayette details →

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