Lafayette, LA vs New Orleans, LA: Cost of Living Comparison
Lafayette has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Lafayette | New Orleans | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 83 | 89 | Lafayette |
| Housing | 72 ($746) | 85 ($848) | Lafayette |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 108 ($3.50) | Lafayette |
| Food & groceries | 82 ($336) | 74 ($303) | New Orleans |
| Utilities | 86 ($130) | 93 ($153) | Lafayette |
| Healthcare | 86 ($94) | 93 ($111) | Lafayette |
| Median annual wage | 94 ($45,520) | 94 ($45,520) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lafayette, LA or New Orleans, LA cheaper to live in?
Lafayette, LA is cheaper overall by about 6 index points (Lafayette, LA: 83, New Orleans, LA: 89; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Lafayette, LA vs New Orleans, LA?
A single adult needs roughly $29,050/year in Lafayette, LA and $31,150/year in New Orleans, LA to cover basic living costs.