Can I Afford to Live in Lafayette vs Phoenix on $100K?

Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Lafayette, LA
$5,963/mo take-home
Rent: $1,100/mo (18% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Phoenix, AZ
$6,113/mo take-home
Rent: $1,500/mo (25% of take-home)
Comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Lafayette
LA
Phoenix
AZ
Monthly take-home (est.)
$5,963
$6,113Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,100Best ✓
$1,500
Groceries (est.)
$361Best ✓
$369
Transport (est.)
$42Best ✓
$64
Utilities
$208Best ✓
$210
Internet
$58Best ✓
$60
Left after essentials
$4,194/month
$3,910/month

Frequently asked questions

Is $100K a good salary in Lafayette?

At $100K/year in Lafayette, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,963. With 1BR rent around $1,100/month, rent takes up 18% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $100K a good salary in Phoenix?

At $100K/year in Phoenix, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,113. With 1BR rent around $1,500/month, rent takes up 25% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?

Lafayette leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,194/month vs $3,910/month in Phoenix.

Can I afford to live alone in Lafayette on $100K?

Yes. At $100K in Lafayette, rent takes 18% of your take-home, leaving $4,194/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Lafayette vs Phoenix

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$120K$150K

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