Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Thornton is 79% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,810/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 41%
$100,985/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 39%
$482,200 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 48%
$1,914/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 45%
142,878
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $745/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $8,940/year.

Median household income is $39,531/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Thornton or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Lafayette?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $745/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Lafayette?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $39,531/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Louisiana?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/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 Thornton details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thornton and Lafayette

Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield