Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Reno is 58% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,453/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 27%
$78,448/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 22%
$498,600 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 50%
$1,482/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 29%
268,959
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $16,994/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Reno or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Lafayette?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Lafayette?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $16,994/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Louisiana?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Lafayette details →

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