Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Springfield and Lafayette have a similar cost of living.

$1,114/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 4%
$51,339/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 20%
$222,700 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 13%
$1,276/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 17%
154,751
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,115/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Springfield or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Lafayette?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Lafayette?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $10,115/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Louisiana?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Lafayette details →

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