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

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Lafayette is 35% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,065/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 11%
$61,454/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 15%
$251,300 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 49%
$1,057/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 13%
121,537
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $9,203/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Evansville — common questions

Is Lafayette or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Evansville?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Evansville?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $9,203/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Indiana?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lafayette details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and Evansville

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow