Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

St. Paul is 18% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,248/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 15%
$73,055/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 16%
$280,300 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 10%
$1,390/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 24%
307,762
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $11,601/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Lafayette — common questions

Is St. Paul or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Lafayette?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Lafayette?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $11,601/year higher in St. Paul.
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 St. Paul or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Lafayette

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield