Moving from Nashville to Lafayette (2026)
Lafayette has a COL index of 85 vs 112 for Nashville (100 = US average). You'd pay about 24% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Lafayette to match your Nashville lifestyle
Based on the 24% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Nashville | Equivalent in Lafayette |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,357 |
| $50K | $37,946 |
| $60K | $45,536 |
| $75K | $56,920 |
| $80K | $60,714 |
| $100K | $75,893 |
| $120K | $91,071 |
| $150K | $113,839 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Nashville vs Lafayette
| Expense | Nashville | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,472 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $365 | $361 |
| Transport | $70 | $42 |
| Utilities | $170 | $208 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,276 | $2,703 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Lafayette cheaper than Nashville?
Yes. Lafayette has a cost of living index of 85 vs 112 for Nashville (100 = US average). That's about 24% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Nashville to Lafayette?
On a $75K salary, moving from Nashville to Lafayette could save roughly $696/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,352/year.
What salary do I need in Lafayette to match my Nashville lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Nashville, you'd need roughly $56,920/year in Lafayette. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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