Santa Ana, CA vs Lafayette, LA: 163 vs 77

$1,975/mo ↑ 85%

Median Rent

$1,065/mo ↓ 46%

$88,354/yr ↑ 44%

Median Income

$61,454/yr ↓ 30%

$657,800 ↑ 162%

Home Value

$251,300 ↓ 62%

$1,965/mo ↑ 86%

Owner Costs

$1,057/mo ↓ 46%

311,639

Population

121,537

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $910/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $10,920/year.

Median household income is $26,900/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Lafayette cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Lafayette?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $910/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Lafayette?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $26,900/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Lafayette?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Lafayette

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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