Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Syracuse is 23% cheaper than Lafayette.

$998/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 7%
$45,845/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 34%
$125,100 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 101%
$980/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 8%
146,211
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $15,609/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Syracuse or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Lafayette?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Lafayette?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $15,609/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between New York and Louisiana?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $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 Syracuse details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Syracuse and Lafayette

Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield