Highland, IN vs Lafayette, IN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lafayette is 18.1% cheaper than Highland. With a cost index of 76 vs 90, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lafayette to Highland should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Highland is $1,202/month compared to $1,039/month in Lafayette — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lafayette is more affordable at $157,600 median vs $219,500.

Median household income in Highland is $76,219 compared to $52,946 in Lafayette (+44%). While Highland is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Highland spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, less than the 23.5% in Lafayette.