Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Scottsdale is 114% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,910/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 44%
$107,372/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 43%
$709,900 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 65%
$1,824/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 42%
242,169
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $845/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $10,140/year.

Median household income is $45,918/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Lafayette?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $845/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Lafayette?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $45,918/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Louisiana?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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