Cost of Living: Vallejo, CA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Vallejo

California
155
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Vallejo is 101% more expensive than Lafayette.

$2,013/mo ↑ 89%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 47%
$89,496/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 31%
$557,500 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 55%
$2,058/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 49%
124,637
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vallejo, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 155 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $948/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $11,376/year.

Median household income is $28,042/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vallejo is $557,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vallejo vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Vallejo or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vallejo and Lafayette?
Median rent in Vallejo is $2,013/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $948/month.
Which city has higher income, Vallejo or Lafayette?
Median household income is $89,496 in Vallejo and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $28,042/year higher in Vallejo.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Vallejo or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with median rent of $2,013/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 Vallejo details → View Lafayette details →

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