Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Providence is 29% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,333/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 20%
$66,772/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 8%
$322,800 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 22%
$1,467/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 28%
190,214
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $5,318/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Providence or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Lafayette?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Lafayette?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $5,318/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Louisiana?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Lafayette details →

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