Lafayette, MN vs New York Mills, MN

Lafayette, MN and New York Mills, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.1% difference in their overall index. Lafayette scores 64 while New York Mills scores 67 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Lafayette is $725/month compared to $712/month in New York Mills — a 2% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while New York Mills has cheaper rent, Lafayette actually has lower median home values ($142,700 vs $144,900).

Median household income in Lafayette is $95,500 compared to $51,696 in New York Mills (+84.7%). 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 Lafayette spend roughly 9.1% of their income on rent, less than the 16.5% in New York Mills.

Climate-wise, Lafayette is notably warmer with an average of 45.4°F compared to 40.4°F in New York Mills. Lafayette receives more rainfall at 28" per year compared to 23.9" in New York Mills.