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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Sunnyvale is 343% more expensive than Lafayette.

$3,065/mo ↑ 188%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 65%
$181,862/yr ↑ 196%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 66%
$1,816,600 ↑ 623%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 86%
$3,016/mo ↑ 185%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 65%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,000/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $24,000/year.

Median household income is $120,408/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Lafayette?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $2,000/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Lafayette?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $120,408/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Lafayette details →

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