Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Detroit is 31% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,034/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 3%
$39,575/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 55%
$76,800 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 227%
$868/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 22%
636,644
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $21,879/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Detroit or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Lafayette?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Lafayette?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $21,879/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Louisiana?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Lafayette

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