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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Tacoma is 64% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,597/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 33%
$83,857/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 27%
$454,600 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 45%
$1,747/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 39%
220,482
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $532/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $6,384/year.

Median household income is $22,403/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Lafayette?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $532/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Lafayette?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $22,403/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tacoma and Lafayette

Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield