Hayfield, MN vs Lafayette, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lafayette is 16.6% cheaper than Hayfield. With a cost index of 64 vs 75, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lafayette to Hayfield should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hayfield is $933/month compared to $725/month in Lafayette — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lafayette is more affordable at $142,700 median vs $173,000.

Median household income in Hayfield is $69,688 compared to $95,500 in Lafayette (-27%). Lafayette offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hayfield spend roughly 16.1% of their income on rent, more than the 9.1% in Lafayette.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (44.8°F vs 45.4°F). Hayfield receives more rainfall at 34.7" per year compared to 28" in Lafayette.