Lafayette is located in southern Louisiana. It has the rich culture you would expect from a Louisiana town. Also, because it is a college town, it is very much concerned with education. People of all ages, cultures, and personality types will find that Lafayette is a pleasant place to live.
Lafayette has many beautiful neighborhoods. Different people like different areas of the city for their own reasons. However, the south side of the city is typically the most sought after. The area surrounding the University of Louisiana – Lafayette is known as the university area. This area, as well as Lafayette’s Downtown District, is more urban in nature than other parts of Lafayette. It is possible to walk to the school, local restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Broadmore is mostly residential and home to people of many different ages. This is also where the Thomas Park Recreation Center is located. Broussard, Youngsville, and Scott are small cities on the outskirts of Lafayette. Many people enjoy these areas as well.
There is a ton of fun things to do in Laffy. Lafayette is a city that takes education seriously, and that is apparent in the attractions it has to offer. The Zoo of Acadiana is a favorite for local residents as well as people all over Louisiana. It has several animals and hosts many special events. A train brings you on a tour all around the zoo for more interactive fun. The Science Museum in Lafayette is a great place to spend the afternoon. There are often special exhibits the visit so be sure to be on the lookout for your favorites. Also, for the Louisiana history buffs, experiencing Lafeyette just isn’t complete without a tour of one of the authentic Acadian villages. There is Acadian Village and Vermillionville. The area is set up with buildings and items that the Acadians would have had. Costumed tour guides often play the part as they guide you in exploring the past. Biology was never quite as fun as a visit to one of the Louisiana swamps. You can take a swamp tour to see nature at its finest with Cajun Swamp Tours. Lastly, for a bit of fun, you don’t want to miss the Kart Ranch. It is a fun place for the kids to play. With a ball pit, a mini-golf course, and a race track, it is fun for the whole family.
As of March 2025, the average apartment rent in Lafayette, LA is $705 for a studio, $999 for one bedroom, $1,151 for two bedrooms, and $1,517 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Lafayette has increased by 3.0% in the past year.
The cost of living in Lafayette, LA is 13.1% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Lafayette is 35.3% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $705 - $1,517. You can expect to pay 3.9% less for groceries, 13.7% less for utilities, and 4.6% less for transportation.
If you love Mardi Gras, live somewhere that shares your passion! Explore other cities that host the biggest celebrations in the U.S.
Somewhat Walkable
out of 100 WalkScore® Rating
You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.
Bikeable
out of 100 BikeScore® Rating
While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.
Myrtle Place Elementary School
Public
Grades PK-5
372 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
1,332 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
890 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
801 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
606 Students
David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy
Public
Grades 6-12
1,388 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
1,332 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
952 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
490 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
369 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
245 Students
David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy
Public
Grades 6-12
1,388 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,852 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,098 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,813 Students
20
Communities
3,732
Units
10
Cities
43
Communities
8,316
Units
19
Cities
315
Communities
95,209
Units
193
Cities
160
Communities
38,502
Units
87
Cities
19
Communities
4,002
Units
12
Cities
23
Communities
5,110
Units
10
Cities
† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2025.
