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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

San Diego is 156% more expensive than Lafayette.

$2,223/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 52%
$104,321/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 41%
$848,500 ↑ 238%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 70%
$2,308/mo ↑ 118%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 54%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,158/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $13,896/year.

Median household income is $42,867/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Lafayette — common questions

Is San Diego or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Lafayette?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $1,158/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Lafayette?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $42,867/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Lafayette

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield