Salary Needed to Live in Lafayette as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $110,600/year to live comfortably in Lafayette, LA, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $110,600/year to live comfortably in Lafayette, LA. The bare-minimum salary is $88,480/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $6,750.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,530/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $9,217/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$110,600
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$88,480
$7,373/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,530
22% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Lafayette
| Expense | Lafayette | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,430 | $2,509 | -43% |
| Groceries | $641 | $528 | +21% |
| Utilities | $280 | $337 | -17% |
| Transportation | $448 | $526 | -15% |
| Car Insurance | $150 | $223 | -33% |
| Health Insurance | $577 | $672 | -14% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,032 | $1,200 | -14% |
| Internet + Phones | $155 | $180 | -14% |
| Children Activities | $215 | $250 | -14% |
| Dining Out | $301 | $350 | -14% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $172 | $200 | -14% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $129 | $150 | -14% |
| Total Monthly | $5,530 | $7,125 | -22% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,530
Target savings (15%):$1,220/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$6,750
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$110,600
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,430
3BR Apartment/House rent is 26% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus LA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,220/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
86/100
Lafayette is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby south Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,430/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,004/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $88,480/year as the survival floor and $110,600/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Lafayette
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Lafayette?
A family with kids needs approximately $110,600/year ($9,217/month gross) to live comfortably in Lafayette with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Lafayette?
A 3br apartment/house in Lafayette costs approximately $1,430/month, which is the largest single expense at 26% of the total budget.
Is Lafayette affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Lafayette is 22% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.