Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Virginia Beach is 52% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,649/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 35%
$90,685/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 32%
$366,300 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 31%
$1,704/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 38%
457,066
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $584/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $7,008/year.

Median household income is $29,231/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Lafayette?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $584/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Lafayette?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $29,231/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Louisiana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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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