Home / Compare / Elkhart vs La Fayette

Elkhart, IL vs La Fayette, IL

67
Elkhart
Illinois
VS
-11%
75
La Fayette
Illinois

Elkhart is moderately more affordable than La Fayette, with a 11% lower cost of living index. Elkhart scores 67 compared to 75 for La Fayette, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of La Fayette can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

When it comes to buying, median home values in Elkhart are $123,200 compared to $51,000 in La Fayette, a 142% gap.

Median household income in Elkhart is $98,750 compared to $49,519 in La Fayette (+99.4%). Elkhart offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (54°F vs 52.7°F). Elkhart receives more rainfall at 38" per year compared to 37.6" in La Fayette.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Elkhart
67
11% cheaper
La Fayette
75
Median Household Income
Elkhart
$98,750
50% higher
La Fayette
$49,519

Housing

Median Rent
Elkhart
$768
La Fayette
Median Home Value
Elkhart
$123,200
La Fayette
$51,000
59% cheaper
Population
Elkhart
442
La Fayette
148

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Elkhart
La Fayette $2.85
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Elkhart
La Fayette $2.33
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Elkhart
La Fayette $3.75
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Elkhart
La Fayette $1.72
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Elkhart
La Fayette $3.86
US $4.14
Electricity
Elkhart
La Fayette $0.17
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Elkhart 54°F
La Fayette 52.7°F
Summer High
Elkhart 87°F
La Fayette 86°F
Winter Low
Elkhart 20°F
La Fayette 18°F
Rainfall
Elkhart 38"
La Fayette 37.6"
Rainy Days
Elkhart 115d
La Fayette 117d