Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Seattle is 155% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,998/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 47%
$121,984/yr ↑ 98%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 50%
$912,100 ↑ 263%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 72%
$2,220/mo ↑ 110%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 52%
741,440
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $933/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $11,196/year.

Median household income is $60,530/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Seattle or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Lafayette?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $933/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Lafayette?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $60,530/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Louisiana?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Lafayette

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