Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Indianapolis is 4% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,112/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 4%
$62,995/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 2%
$207,000 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 21%
$1,124/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 6%
882,043
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,541/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Lafayette?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Lafayette?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $1,541/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Louisiana?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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.
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