Lafayette, CO vs Sterling, CO

The cost of living difference between Lafayette, CO and Sterling, CO is dramatic. Sterling is 78.4% cheaper than Lafayette, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Lafayette has a cost index of 150 while Sterling sits at 84, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Lafayette is $2,042/month compared to $1,052/month in Sterling — a 94% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sterling is more affordable at $205,200 median vs $647,600.

Median household income in Lafayette is $110,431 compared to $44,242 in Sterling (+149.6%). While Lafayette is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Lafayette spend roughly 22.2% of their income on rent, less than the 28.5% in Sterling.