Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Sacramento is 71% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,694/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 37%
$83,753/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 27%
$484,600 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 48%
$1,752/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 40%
524,802
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $629/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $7,548/year.

Median household income is $22,299/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 Sacramento and Lafayette?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $629/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Lafayette?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $22,299/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Lafayette

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield