Uprootmap
South Bend vs Lafayette
South Bend and Lafayette
Photo: Huw Williams ( Huwmanbeing ) / Wikimedia, Public domain
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Lafayette are under the US rate in this release, 3.9 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at South Bend to Lafayette
In 2022-2023, 45 households filed a move from South Bend to Lafayette (about 62 people, average adjusted gross income $49,444). 42 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,005 in South Bend and $981 in Lafayette. South Bend has a state tax on wages. Lafayette has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Lafayette is 82% of the national level for the same work, against 87% in South Bend.
Lafayette averages 203 sunny days, with July highs around 83°F and January nights around 26°F. South Bend is 181 sunny days, 81°F in July, 25°F in January. Commutes average 19 minutes in Lafayette and 22 in South Bend.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 45 households moved South Bend → Lafayette (about 62 people, average AGI $49,444). 42 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between South Bend and Lafayette changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 121 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,650–$3,100
- Container or pod
- $1,100–$2,100
- Rent a truck
- $400–$750
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Dig into Lafayette
Questions
Is Lafayette cheaper than South Bend after tax and rent?
Yes. Lafayette leaves about $48 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,005 in South Bend and $981 in Lafayette.
Does Lafayette have state income tax?
Lafayette is in Indiana, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 1.50%.
Did people actually move from South Bend to Lafayette?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.