Salary & Cost of Living in Lafayette, LA
Lafayette, LA: $50,000 median salary, cost of living index 88, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$50,000
$24/hr
Cost of Living
88
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.8%
rate
Lafayette, LA Overview
Population
121,374
Median Salary
$50,000
Average Salary
$56,000
Avg Commute
21 min
Median Home Price
$190,000
Median Rent
$900/mo
Job Growth
+1%
Sales Tax
9.95%
Lafayette is located in Louisiana with a population of 121,374. The median household salary is $50,000 per year ($24/hour), which is $9,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1%.
Lafayette Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Lafayette, LA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$40,714
$3,392.79/month · $1,565.90/biweekly · Effective Rate: 18.6%
Gross Pay
$50,000
Federal Tax
-$3,962
State Tax
-$1,500
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,825
Net Pay
$40,714
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,166.67 | $50,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$330.13 | -$3,961.50 |
| Louisiana State Tax (3%) | -$125.00 | -$1,500.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$258.33 | -$3,100.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$60.42 | -$725.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,392.79 | $40,713.50 |
Salary Comparison: Lafayette vs Other Cities
See how Lafayette's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette, LA | $50,000 | 88 | $56,818 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Modesto, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Moreno Valley, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Salinas, CA | $50,000 | 110 | $45,455 |
| Lakeland, FL | $50,000 | 92 | $54,348 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Lafayette
Lafayette's cost of living index is 88 (national average = 100). Living in Lafayette is 12% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$190,000
Median Monthly Rent
$900
Annual Rent Cost
$10,800
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $40,714 annual take-home pay in Lafayette has the purchasing power of approximately $46,265 in an average-cost US area. Your $50,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Lafayette
Lafayette's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $50,000.
Salary Tips for Lafayette Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Lafayette has a cost of living 12% below the national average. A salary of $50,000 here has the purchasing power of about $56,818 in an average-cost area.
- Research top industries. Lafayette's top industries include Energy, Healthcare, Technology. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $50,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Lafayette, LA?
The median salary in Lafayette, LA is $50,000 per year, or $24 per hour. The average salary is $56,000. This is $9,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA?
Lafayette's cost of living index is 88 (national average = 100), meaning it is 12% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $190,000 and the median monthly rent is $900.
What are the best industries in Lafayette?
The top industries in Lafayette, LA include Energy, Healthcare, Technology. The city has a job growth rate of 1% and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $50,000.
How does Lafayette's salary compare to other cities?
Lafayette's median salary of $50,000 is 15.8% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 88), the real purchasing power is approximately $56,818.
What is the minimum wage in Lafayette, LA?
The minimum wage in Lafayette, LA is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.