Cost of Living in Lafayette, CO
Population 30,471 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Lafayette run well above the national baseline, with a median of $648,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $110,431 place the city among the better-paid Colorado metros.
Geographically, Lafayette sits roughly 8 miles north of Westminster. Median home values run roughly 30% higher than Westminster's $497,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lafayette
The median home value in Lafayette is $647,600 — 112% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,042/month, 55% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $110,431/year is 48% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Colorado's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.8%. Overall, Lafayette has a cost of living index of 190 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 90% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, CO?
Lafayette has a cost index of 190 (100 = national average). It is 90% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lafayette, CO?
The median gross rent in Lafayette is $2,042 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lafayette?
The median home value in Lafayette is $647,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lafayette?
The median household income in Lafayette is $110,431 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lafayette, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lafayette is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Lafayette, CO affordable?
Lafayette is above average in cost of living, with an index of 190 — about 90% higher than the national average.
Lafayette at a Glance
- Population
- 30,471
- Median Income
- $110,431
- Home Value
- $647,600
- Median Rent
- $2,042/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.8%
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Colorado Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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