Lafayette, CA

Very High · 369

California · Population 25,277 · Updated March 2026

$2,855
Median Rent / Month
$222,393
Median Income
$2,000,001
Median Home Value
$3,825
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Lafayette

15.4%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$34,260
Annual Rent
$29,578
State Income Tax
$14,200
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Lafayette has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 369 (where 100 equals the national median), Lafayette residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,855/month while earning a median household income of $222,393/year.

The median home value in Lafayette, CA is $2,000,001, with typical monthly owner costs around $3,825 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Lafayette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Lafayette

What is the cost of living in Lafayette, CA?
The cost of living index in Lafayette, CA is 369 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,855, median household income is $222,393/year, and the median home value is $2,000,001.
Is Lafayette, CA affordable?
No, Lafayette is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 369. The rent-to-income ratio is 15.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Lafayette, CA?
The median gross rent in Lafayette, CA is $2,855 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $34,260.
What is the median household income in Lafayette?
The median household income in Lafayette, CA is $222,393 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.