Lafayette, IN vs South Bend, IN: Cost of Living Comparison
South Bend has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Lafayette | South Bend | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 67 | 63 | South Bend |
| Housing | 45 ($727) | 36 ($700) | South Bend |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Lafayette |
| Food & groceries | 71 ($291) | 70 ($287) | South Bend |
| Utilities | 73 ($81) | 68 ($65) | South Bend |
| Healthcare | 73 ($59) | 68 ($47) | South Bend |
| Median annual wage | 99 ($47,860) | 99 ($47,860) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lafayette, IN or South Bend, IN cheaper to live in?
South Bend, IN is cheaper overall by about 4 index points (Lafayette, IN: 67, South Bend, IN: 63; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Lafayette, IN vs South Bend, IN?
A single adult needs roughly $23,450/year in Lafayette, IN and $22,050/year in South Bend, IN to cover basic living costs.