Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Raleigh is 43% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,468/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 27%
$82,424/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 25%
$377,800 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 33%
$1,487/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 29%
470,763
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $403/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $4,836/year.

Median household income is $20,970/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Raleigh or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Lafayette?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $403/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Lafayette?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $20,970/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Lafayette details →

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