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

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Rochester is 16% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,316/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 19%
$87,767/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 30%
$287,500 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 13%
$1,332/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 21%
121,638
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $26,313/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Rochester or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Lafayette?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Lafayette?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $26,313/year higher in Rochester.
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 Rochester or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/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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