West Lafayette, IN

Below Avg · 88

Indiana · Population 44,802 · Updated March 2026

$1,152
Median Rent / Month
$33,497
Median Income
$318,100
Median Home Value
$1,157
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in West Lafayette

41.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Burdened
Rent takes more than 35% of median income — considered cost-burdened.

Tax Burden in Indiana

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

3.05%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.0%
Sales Tax
0.83%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$13,824
Annual Rent
$1,022
State Income Tax
$2,640
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

West Lafayette offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 88 (where 100 equals the national median), West Lafayette residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,152/month while earning a median household income of $33,497/year.

The median home value in West Lafayette, IN is $318,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,157 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The 41.3% rent-to-income ratio indicates significant housing cost burden. Residents spend well over a third of their income on rent alone.

Indiana has a moderate income tax rate of 3.05%. Combined with a 7.0% sales tax rate and 0.83% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in West Lafayette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in West Lafayette

What is the cost of living in West Lafayette, IN?
The cost of living index in West Lafayette, IN is 88 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,152, median household income is $33,497/year, and the median home value is $318,100.
Is West Lafayette, IN affordable?
Yes, West Lafayette is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 88. The rent-to-income ratio is 41.3%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in West Lafayette, IN?
The median gross rent in West Lafayette, IN is $1,152 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $13,824.
What is the median household income in West Lafayette?
The median household income in West Lafayette, IN is $33,497 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Indiana?
Indiana has a top income tax rate of 3.05%, a sales tax of 7.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.83%.