Moving from Evansville to Lafayette (2026)
Lafayette has a COL index of 85 vs 80 for Evansville (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 6% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Lafayette to match your Evansville lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Evansville | Equivalent in Lafayette |
|---|---|
| $40K | $42,500 |
| $50K | $53,125 |
| $60K | $63,750 |
| $75K | $79,688 |
| $80K | $85,000 |
| $100K | $106,250 |
| $120K | $127,500 |
| $150K | $159,375 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Evansville vs Lafayette
| Expense | Evansville | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,541 | $4,472 |
| 1BR rent | $990 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $353 | $361 |
| Transport | $40 | $42 |
| Utilities | $152 | $208 |
| Internet | $58 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,948 | $2,703 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Lafayette cheaper than Evansville?
No. Lafayette has a cost of living index of 85 vs 80 for Evansville (100 = US average). That's about 6% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Evansville to Lafayette?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Lafayette run about $176/month more than Evansville. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Lafayette to match my Evansville lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Evansville, you'd need roughly $79,688/year in Lafayette. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only