F
43%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
132%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Lafayette Colorado National
Cost of living143115100
Groceries102104100
Health care104107100
Housing232136100
Transportation103106100
Utilities108108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment111107100
Household Items105105100
Education & Childcare104111100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lafayette, CO

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Lafayette? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Lafayette stands at 143, making it 43% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Lafayette may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Lafayette falls within this bracket.

When it comes to the cost of living in Lafayette, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 132.2% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Lafayette Affordable?

Is Lafayette affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Lafayette, for instance, where the median home price falls 156.6% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 75% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Lafayette flaunting a median household income of $128,882, 58.5% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lafayette?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Lafayette, healthcare costs are 3.5% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Lafayette, the groceries index is 1.6% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Lafayette are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lafayette is 24% higher than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Lafayette is 43% higher than the national average
  • Lafayette housing is 132% higher than the national average
  • Colorado general sales tax is 43% lower than the national average
  • Colorado state income tax is 69% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Lafayette

See all the best places to live around Lafayette

Compare Lafayette, CO Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$148,256$12,355$3,459$4,448
      Renters$88,550$7,379$2,066$2,657
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Lafayette, CO, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Lafayette, homeowners have a median income of $148,256. Using that number, a maximum of $3,459 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $88,550, which means there is a maximum of $2,066 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Colorado Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Colorado 2.9% 10%

      Colorado Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Colorado 4.4% 4.4%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Crisman, CO531065.6%
      Leyner, CO01098.9%
      Eldorado Springs, CO3321098.9%
      Lakeside, CO69010.0%
      Federal Heights, CO14,024955.1%
      Lafayette, CO28,54614342.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Converse, TX28,5541010.5%
      Old Bridge, NJ28,56613131.5%
      Milton, MA28,52516766.8%
      Kirkwood, MO28,51111716.6%
      Oxford, MS28,5031077.1%
      Lafayette, CO28,54614342.8%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.