Cost of Living in West Lafayette, IN (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Key facts
- Rent (1-bedroom)
- $1,136/month
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Median household income
- $34,891
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Regional price parity
- 93.3 (below national average)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024-12-31
- Utilities (monthly)
- $158/month
- U.S. Energy Information Administration · 2026-06-30
- Rent burden (of income)
- 39% (cost-burdened)
- Derived from Census + HUD threshold · 2024-12-31
Can you afford this city?
- Groceries (est.)
- $392
- Monthly surplus
- $2,064
Salary needed to live here
- Gross per month
- $3,409
- Comfortable budget
- $2,386
West Lafayette, IN vs the US average
| Metric | Value | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
Median household income (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $34,891 | -55% vs US |
Median home value (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $350,000 | +3% vs US |
Rent (1BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $1,136 | -13% vs US |
Rent (2BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $1,259 | -14% vs US |
Grocery cost index (BEA Regional Price Parities, Dec 2024) | 95.5 | -4% vs US |
Utilities (monthly) (EIA Electricity Retail Sales, Jun 2026) | $158 | -23% vs US |
Cost breakdown vs US average
What it costs to live in West Lafayette
Rent in West Lafayette runs $1,136 for a one-bedroom — about 13% below the national median of $1,300. At $34,891 a year, the median household here spends about 39% of income on a one-bedroom — above the 30% affordability threshold HUD uses to define cost burden. The median home value of $350,000 is about 10.0× median income — well above the 3× rule of thumb, making ownership a stretch on a typical local salary. Utilities are relatively low at about $158/month — 23% below the national average of $205. Use the calculator above to see how far your income goes, with rent and utilities prefilled from the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.
Buying a home in West Lafayette?
Mortgage payment calculator
- Principal & interest
- $2,108
- Total interest
- $438,707
Estimate only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are illustrative and may not reflect your situation. Consult a qualified professional.
Cite this page
CostAlmanac US, *West Lafayette, IN — Cost of Living*, https://costalmanac.com/cost-of-living/west-lafayette-in
Data from U.S. government sources. See methodology for how every number is computed.