Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Worcester is 35% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,415/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 25%
$67,544/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 9%
$339,500 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 26%
$1,521/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 31%
205,501
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $6,090/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Worcester or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Lafayette?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Lafayette?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $6,090/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Louisiana?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Lafayette

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield