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Cost of Living in Lafayette, LA

Population 121,715 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,100
Median home value$257,000
Median household income$61,915

The median rent in Lafayette, LA is $1,100/month, 3% higher than the Louisiana median and 22% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $257,000, 23% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $61,915 a year, about the same as the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 21.3%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $44,000/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 4.2×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,300/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Lafayette vs. Louisiana vs. U.S.

LafayetteLouisianaU.S.
Median rent$1,100$1,064$1,413
Median home value$257,000$216,500$332,700
Median household income$61,915$60,756$80,734
Homeownership rate53.1%67.4%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher41.1%27.0%35.7%
Poverty rate18.3%18.9%12.5%
Unemployment rate5.2%6.3%5.2%
Work from home9.9%8.1%15.1%
Median age36.938.038.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Lafayette, LA?

The median gross rent in Lafayette, LA is $1,100 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Lafayette, LA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $44,000 a year in gross income.

Is Lafayette, LA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 22% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 4.2 times the median household income.

Other cities in Louisiana

New Orleans, LARent $1,251 · Income $56,631Baton Rouge, LARent $1,067 · Income $49,994Shreveport, LARent $987 · Income $48,699Metairie, LARent $1,175 · Income $73,042Lake Charles, LARent $1,109 · Income $59,235Kenner, LARent $1,179 · Income $64,020

Cities with a similar cost of living

Carlisle, PARent $1,094 · Income $61,720Taylor, MIRent $1,101 · Income $61,081Kerrville, TXRent $1,086 · Income $62,102Rio Rico, AZRent $1,091 · Income $61,348Loves Park, ILRent $1,120 · Income $61,868Little Rock, ARRent $1,106 · Income $63,003

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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