Cost of Living in West Lafayette, IN
Population 44,802 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
West Lafayette's median household income of $33,497 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (37% here). Rental affordability is stretched — $1,152/month works out to about 41% of median household income, above the 30% "cost-burdened" line.
West Lafayette is about 55 miles northwest of Carmel, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Carmel's $456,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in West Lafayette
The median home value in West Lafayette is $318,100 — 4% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,152/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $33,497/year is 55% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 61.1°F and lows of 41.6°F. Overall, West Lafayette has a cost of living index of 98 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 2% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 33 | 38 | 50 | 62 | 73 | 81 | 84 | 83 | 77 | 65 | 50 | 38 |
| Low °F | 18 | 21 | 30 | 40 | 51 | 60 | 63 | 62 | 54 | 43 | 33 | 24 |
| Precip" | 2.19 | 1.78 | 2.73 | 3.84 | 4.04 | 4.56 | 4.08 | 3.12 | 2.59 | 2.91 | 2.87 | 2.29 |
💨 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 West Lafayette, IN?
West Lafayette has a cost index of 98 (100 = national average). It is 2% below the national average.
What is average rent in West Lafayette, IN?
The median gross rent in West Lafayette is $1,152 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in West Lafayette?
The median home value in West Lafayette is $318,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in West Lafayette?
The median household income in West Lafayette is $33,497 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in West Lafayette, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Lafayette is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is West Lafayette, IN affordable?
West Lafayette is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 98 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in West Lafayette?
West Lafayette has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 41.6°F. Annual precipitation is 37". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
West Lafayette at a Glance
- Population
- 44,802
- Median Income
- $33,497
- Home Value
- $318,100
- Median Rent
- $1,152/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Indiana Rankings
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