Can I Afford to Live in Lafayette vs Chicago on $150K?

Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Lafayette, LA
$8,406/mo take-home
Rent: $1,100/mo (13% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Chicago, IL
$8,331/mo take-home
Rent: $1,900/mo (23% of take-home)
Comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Lafayette
LA
Chicago
IL
Monthly take-home (est.)
$8,406Best ✓
$8,331
1BR rent
$1,100Best ✓
$1,900
Groceries (est.)
$361Best ✓
$388
Transport (est.)
$42Best ✓
$105
Utilities
$208
$165Best ✓
Internet
$58Best ✓
$65
Left after essentials
$6,637/month
$5,708/month

Frequently asked questions

Is $150K a good salary in Lafayette?

At $150K/year in Lafayette, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,406. With 1BR rent around $1,100/month, rent takes up 13% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $150K a good salary in Chicago?

At $150K/year in Chicago, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,331. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 23% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?

Lafayette leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,637/month vs $5,708/month in Chicago.

Can I afford to live alone in Lafayette on $150K?

Yes. At $150K in Lafayette, rent takes 13% of your take-home, leaving $6,637/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Lafayette vs Chicago

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only