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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Surprise is 64% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,917/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 44%
$93,371/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 34%
$396,000 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 37%
$1,587/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 33%
149,519
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

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $852/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $10,224/year.

Median household income is $31,917/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Surprise or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Lafayette?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $852/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Lafayette?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $31,917/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Lafayette

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield