Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Tampa is 47% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,567/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 32%
$71,302/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 14%
$375,300 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 33%
$1,553/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 32%
393,389
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $502/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $6,024/year.

Median household income is $9,848/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Tampa or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Lafayette?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $502/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Lafayette?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $9,848/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Louisiana?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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.
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