Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Des Moines is 9% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,054/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 1%
$63,966/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 4%
$183,700 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 37%
$1,137/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 7%
212,464
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,512/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Des Moines or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Lafayette?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $11/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Lafayette?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $2,512/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Louisiana?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Lafayette

Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield