Moving from Austin to Lafayette (2026)
Lafayette has a COL index of 85 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 30% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$688/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
12285
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,800$1,100
per month
State tax
None4.3%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,472
per month
Salary needed in Lafayette to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 30% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Lafayette |
|---|---|
| $40K | $27,869 |
| $50K | $34,836 |
| $60K | $41,803 |
| $75K | $52,254 |
| $80K | $55,738 |
| $100K | $69,672 |
| $120K | $83,607 |
| $150K | $104,508 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Lafayette
| Expense | Austin | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,472 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $372 | $361 |
| Transport | $50 | $42 |
| Utilities | $170 | $208 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $2,703 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Lafayette cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Lafayette has a cost of living index of 85 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 30% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Lafayette?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to Lafayette could save roughly $688/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,256/year.
What salary do I need in Lafayette to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $52,254/year in Lafayette. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Lafayette to AustinAustin vs Lafayette — full comparisonAustin 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