Cost of Living in Lafayette, OR

With a cost of living index of 103, Lafayette, OR is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 3% more expensive than the national average and 3% below the Oregon state average of 106. Lafayette is a small community of 4,428 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Lafayette's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,144 (13% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $383,000 (26% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Lafayette is $96,419, which is 28% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 14% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Lafayette. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.9°F, with summers averaging 65°F and winters around 42°F. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches spread over roughly 158 days.

Everyday prices in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.