Cost of Living in Lafayette, LA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $925 (excluding rent), and $2,371 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,601 (excluding rent), and $4,723 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.69 $19.69

$12.80 $12.80

$49.22 $49.22

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$102 $102

$61.0 $61.0

$216 $216

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.17 $10.17

$15.26 $15.26

Cappuccino

$5.13 $5.13

$1.96 $1.96

$6.91 $6.91

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.56 $2.56

$2.03 $2.03

$4.09 $4.09

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.88 $1.88

$1.54 $1.54

$3.60 $3.60

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.04 $4.04

$3.03 $3.03

$10.10 $10.10

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.39 $6.39

$4.92 $4.92

$14.75 $14.75

Milk (1 liter)

$1.17 $1.17

$0.89 $0.89

$2.02 $2.02

White Bread (500g)

$3.07 $3.07

$2.19 $2.19

$5.49 $5.49

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.97 $4.97

$2.01 $2.01

$8.75 $8.75

Eggs

$4.51 $4.51

$2.03 $2.03

$7.12 $7.12

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.25 $10.25

$5.42 $5.42

$18.43 $18.43

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.30 $11.30

$5.97 $5.97

$20.09 $20.09

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.56 $14.56

$10.94 $10.94

$21.89 $21.89

Apples (1kg)

$4.84 $4.84

$2.21 $2.21

$6.71 $6.71

Banana (1kg)

$1.40 $1.40

$1.07 $1.07

$4.36 $4.36

Oranges (1kg)

$4.79 $4.79

$1.72 $1.72

$8.89 $8.89

Tomato (1kg)

$5.11 $5.11

$2.14 $2.14

$13.77 $13.77

Potato (1kg)

$2.59 $2.59

$1.39 $1.39

$6.71 $6.71

Onion (1kg)

$3.11 $3.11

$1.68 $1.68

$7.99 $7.99

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.70 $1.70

$0.48 $0.48

$2.92 $2.92

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.88 $2.88

$0.65 $0.65

$4.52 $4.52

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.13 $8.13

$10.16 $10.16

Wine (Bottle)

$16.35 $16.35

$6.88 $6.88

$30.56 $30.56

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.03 $2.03

$1.41 $1.41

$3.51 $3.51

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.62 $3.62

$1.74 $1.74

$5.09 $5.09

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.23 $1.23

$0.99 $0.99

$1.97 $1.97

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.04 $3.04

$2.57 $2.57

$5.04 $5.04

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.01 $1.01

$0.77 $0.77

$1.53 $1.53

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$35.24 $35.24

$21.14 $21.14

$35.24 $35.24

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.80 $0.80

$0.72 $0.72

$0.96 $0.96

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$34.7K $34.7K

$24.8K $24.8K

$44.6K $44.6K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$28.2K $28.2K

$27.4K $27.4K

$35.6K $35.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$236 $236

$141 $141

$377 $377

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$51.1 $51.1

$42.23 $42.23

$88.4 $88.4

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$68.1 $68.1

$50.5 $50.5

$93.9 $93.9

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$61.5 $61.5

$20.05 $20.05

$90.2 $90.2

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$22.15 $22.15

Cinema Ticket

$11.91 $11.91

$8.93 $8.93

$19.85 $19.85

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,550 $1,550

$1,487 $1,487

$1,563 $1,563

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$10.1K $10.1K

$14.8K $14.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$53.4 $53.4

$33.04 $33.04

$71.2 $71.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.32 $41.32

$25.30 $25.30

$65.8 $65.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$77.3 $77.3

$61.1 $61.1

$178 $178

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$112 $112

$49.98 $49.98

$250 $250

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,215 $1,215

$1,012 $1,012

$1,518 $1,518

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,067 $1,067

$903 $903

$1,255 $1,255

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,738 $1,738

$1,404 $1,404

$2,006 $2,006

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,920 $1,920

$1,686 $1,686

$2,139 $2,139

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,180 $2,180

$1,632 $1,632

$3,243 $3,243

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,025 $2,025

$1,611 $1,611

$3,211 $3,211

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,351 $3,351

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.57

6.19

8.99

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 13, 2026

Lafayette, LA Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

172

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

338

Mbps

156

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Lafayette, LA - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Lafayette, LA, United States tends to sit in the mid-range among regional U.S. cities, delivering a practical balance of housing, groceries, and services. For many expats and nomads, the appeal is everyday value without the sticker shock of coastal metros. You’ll find affordable rent in older neighborhoods and quieter corners, with higher prices clustered around popular downtown pockets or newer developments. The city also offers a vibrant food scene, affordable dining options, and a low commute burden, which adds to overall value. Tip: prioritize neighborhoods with good transit links and proximity to essential amenities.

For Lafayette, LA, United States living cost, you’ll notice a mix of affordable groceries, diverse dining options, and housing that ranges from walkable apartment blocks to family-friendly homes near parks. The housing search favors established neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and convenient centers for shopping. Transportation is typically car-focused, though biking and public transit options exist; coworking spaces and cafes support remote work. Errands are straightforward with farmers markets and local grocers, plus seasonal festivals that bring a sense of community. Tip: test a few different neighborhoods during a long weekend to gauge daily rhythms.

Quality of life in Lafayette blends live music, Southern hospitality, and accessible outdoor spaces. A simple budgeting framework helps: separate housing, utilities, groceries, transport, and personal expenses, then adjust for seasonal energy use – electric bills can rise in hot months and cool months may be milder. Save by cooking at home, shopping at farmers markets, and taking advantage of free or low-cost community events. For neighborhood fit, explore Downtown for walkability, River Ranch for newer housing and parks, and university-adjacent areas for student energy and culture. Tip: try a few neighborhoods during different seasons to feel the vibe.