Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Minneapolis is 32% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,329/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 20%
$80,269/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 23%
$345,600 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 27%
$1,513/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 30%
426,845
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $264/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $3,168/year.

Median household income is $18,815/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Lafayette?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $264/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Lafayette?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $18,815/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Louisiana?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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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More Comparisons

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