Moving from Wilmington to Lafayette (2026)
Lafayette has a COL index of 85 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). You'd pay about 9% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Lafayette to match your Wilmington lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Wilmington | Equivalent in Lafayette |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,559 |
| $50K | $45,699 |
| $60K | $54,839 |
| $75K | $68,548 |
| $80K | $73,118 |
| $100K | $91,398 |
| $120K | $109,677 |
| $150K | $137,097 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Wilmington vs Lafayette
| Expense | Wilmington | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,472 |
| 1BR rent | $1,550 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $372 | $361 |
| Transport | $45 | $42 |
| Utilities | $158 | $208 |
| Internet | $62 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,272 | $2,703 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Lafayette cheaper than Wilmington?
Yes. Lafayette has a cost of living index of 85 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). That's about 9% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Wilmington to Lafayette?
On a $75K salary, moving from Wilmington to Lafayette could save roughly $418/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,016/year.
What salary do I need in Lafayette to match my Wilmington lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Wilmington, you'd need roughly $68,548/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