Moving from Albany to Lafayette (2026)
Lafayette has a COL index of 85 vs 92 for Albany (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$329/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9285
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,400$1,100
per month
State tax
6.9%4.3%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,309$4,472
per month
Salary needed in Lafayette to match your Albany lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Albany | Equivalent in Lafayette |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,957 |
| $50K | $46,196 |
| $60K | $55,435 |
| $75K | $69,293 |
| $80K | $73,913 |
| $100K | $92,391 |
| $120K | $110,870 |
| $150K | $138,587 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Albany vs Lafayette
| Expense | Albany | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,309 | $4,472 |
| 1BR rent | $1,400 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $380 | $361 |
| Transport | $68 | $42 |
| Utilities | $185 | $208 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,211 | $2,703 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Lafayette cheaper than Albany?
Yes. Lafayette has a cost of living index of 85 vs 92 for Albany (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Albany to Lafayette?
On a $75K salary, moving from Albany to Lafayette could save roughly $329/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,948/year.
What salary do I need in Lafayette to match my Albany lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Albany, you'd need roughly $69,293/year in Lafayette. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Lafayette to AlbanyAlbany vs Lafayette — full comparisonAlbany cost of livingLafayette cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only