Lafayette, IN vs Merrillville, IN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lafayette is 16.3% cheaper than Merrillville. With a cost index of 76 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lafayette to Merrillville should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Lafayette is $1,039/month compared to $1,304/month in Merrillville — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lafayette is more affordable at $157,600 median vs $194,000.

Median household income in Lafayette is $52,946 compared to $64,791 in Merrillville (-18.3%). While Merrillville is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Lafayette spend roughly 23.5% of their income on rent, less than the 24.2% in Merrillville.