Cost of Living in Lafayette, LA
Population 121,537 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Lafayette's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $61,454 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lafayette
The median home value in Lafayette is $251,300 — 18% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,065/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,454/year is 18% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Louisiana's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. The climate averages highs of 78.8°F and lows of 60.0°F. Overall, Lafayette has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 62 | 66 | 73 | 79 | 86 | 90 | 92 | 92 | 89 | 81 | 72 | 64 |
| Low °F | 44 | 47 | 53 | 59 | 67 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 70 | 60 | 50 | 45 |
| Precip" | 5.92 | 4.07 | 3.72 | 4.91 | 5.44 | 7.09 | 6.27 | 6.26 | 5.02 | 4.76 | 4.39 | 4.96 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA?
Lafayette has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lafayette, LA?
The median gross rent in Lafayette is $1,065 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lafayette?
The median home value in Lafayette is $251,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lafayette?
The median household income in Lafayette is $61,454 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lafayette, LA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lafayette is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Lafayette, LA affordable?
Yes, Lafayette is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lafayette?
Lafayette has average high temperatures of 78.8°F and average lows of 60.0°F. Annual precipitation is 62.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lafayette at a Glance
- Population
- 121,537
- Median Income
- $61,454
- Home Value
- $251,300
- Median Rent
- $1,065/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 78.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Louisiana Rankings
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