Cost of Living in Lafayette, IN
Population 70,650 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lafayette lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $158,000 — 48% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Indiana.
Geographically, Lafayette is about 50 miles northwest of Carmel, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 65% lower than Carmel's $456,000.
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 $157,600 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,039/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,946/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. Indiana's top state income tax rate is 3.0% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. Overall, Lafayette has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, IN?
Lafayette has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lafayette, IN?
The median gross rent in Lafayette is $1,039 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lafayette?
The median home value in Lafayette is $157,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lafayette?
The median household income in Lafayette is $52,946 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lafayette, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lafayette is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Lafayette, IN affordable?
Yes, Lafayette is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
Lafayette at a Glance
- Population
- 70,650
- Median Income
- $52,946
- Home Value
- $157,600
- Median Rent
- $1,039/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.3%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Indiana Rankings
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