Lafayette

The picturesque Wabash River along Downtown Lafayette is the perfect place to watch the sunset.
The picturesque Wabash River along Downtown Lafayette is the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Purdue University is just over the Wabash River from Lafayette, Indiana.
Homes in Ellsworth Romig boast beautiful and creative colors.

Lafayette, IN Area Guide

A lively Indiana college town with a bustling historic district

College Town Affordable Lively Riverside Public Transit

Located along the Wabash River, Lafayette combines historic charm with contemporary living options. From downtown apartments in restored buildings to peaceful suburban communities, the city offers diverse housing choices. One-bedroom apartments average $1,010 monthly, while two-bedroom units average $1,216, showing a 2.6% year-over-year increase. The downtown district features preserved 19th-century architecture, local shops, and Riehle Plaza, where residents gather for the seasonal farmers' market and community events. Columbian Park serves as a central recreational destination, complete with a zoo, playground areas, and walking paths.

Lafayette's economy thrives with major employers like Subaru of Indiana Automotive and Wabash National. The city's connection to neighboring Purdue University adds educational and cultural dimensions to the community. Local history comes alive at the annual Feast of the Hunters' Moon festival at Fort Ouiatenon, celebrating the area's French colonial heritage. Notable areas include Ninth Street Hill, showcasing preserved Victorian architecture, Highland Park with its established residential streets, and Glen Acres, each offering distinct rental opportunities.

Explore the City

Purdue University is just over the Wabash River from Lafayette, Indiana.

Homes in Ellsworth Romig boast beautiful and creative colors.

The picturesque Wabash River along Downtown Lafayette is the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Rent Trends

As of March 2026, the average apartment rent in Lafayette, IN is $1,089 for a studio, $1,058 for one bedroom, $1,270 for two bedrooms, and $1,590 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Lafayette has increased by 4.0% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,058/month
715 Sq Ft
House
$1,834/month
1,294 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Lafayette, IN

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Lafayette, IN is 5.5% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Lafayette is 15.2% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $1,058 - $1,590. You can expect to pay 3.1% less for groceries, 5.5% less for utilities, and 1.1% more for transportation.

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Getting Around

Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Lafayette, IN is for everyday living.

Car-Dependent

42 / 100

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

Some Transit

27 / 100

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

Somewhat Bikeable

44 / 100

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

East Tipp Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

Wea Ridge Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

Wainwright Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

Southwestern Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

McCutcheon High School

Public

Grades 9-12

Jefferson High School

Public

Grades 9-12

The Excel Center - Lafayette

Public

Grades 9-12

Greater Lafayette Area Se

Public

Grades K-12

250 Students

Oakland High School

Public

Grades 9-12

62 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Columbian Park Zoo
  • Imagination Station
  • Purdue University Horticulture Gardens
  • Lilly Nature Center
  • Prophetstown State Park

Top Apartments in Lafayette

Houses for Rent in Lafayette

Property Management Companies in Lafayette, IN

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.