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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Tempe is 56% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,623/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 34%
$77,643/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 21%
$421,900 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 40%
$1,554/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 32%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $558/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $6,696/year.

Median household income is $16,189/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Tempe or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Lafayette?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $558/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Lafayette?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $16,189/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Lafayette

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield