Cost of Living in West Lafayette, IN - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,029 (excluding rent), and $2,337 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,376 (excluding rent), and $4,480 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$12.82 $12.82

$8.87 $8.87

$34.51 $34.51

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$70.4 $70.4

$60.3 $60.3

$151 $151

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.42 $6.42

$5.93 $5.93

$14.82 $14.82

Cappuccino

$4.63 $4.63

$4.12 $4.12

$8.24 $8.24

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.82 $1.82

$1.21 $1.21

$3.88 $3.88

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.47 $2.47

$2.05 $2.05

$3.08 $3.08

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.56 $5.56

$3.03 $3.03

$9.09 $9.09

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.53 $3.53

$14.14 $14.14

Milk (1 liter)

$0.79 $0.79

$0.69 $0.69

$1.51 $1.51

White Bread (500g)

$2.00 $2.00

$1.76 $1.76

$5.84 $5.84

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.12 $2.12

$2.01 $2.01

$11.14 $11.14

Eggs

$4.04 $4.04

$2.02 $2.02

$8.59 $8.59

Local Cheese (1kg)

$14.15 $14.15

$8.68 $8.68

$26.05 $26.05

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$15.31 $15.31

$6.73 $6.73

$22.44 $22.44

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$18.83 $18.83

$10.59 $10.59

$38.97 $38.97

Apples (1kg)

$4.01 $4.01

$2.23 $2.23

$8.95 $8.95

Banana (1kg)

$1.21 $1.21

$1.11 $1.11

$4.45 $4.45

Oranges (1kg)

$2.26 $2.26

$2.24 $2.24

$9.07 $9.07

Tomato (1kg)

$2.81 $2.81

$2.22 $2.22

$7.23 $7.23

Potato (1kg)

$2.53 $2.53

$1.11 $1.11

$4.46 $4.46

Onion (1kg)

$2.82 $2.82

$1.12 $1.12

$4.51 $4.51

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.48 $2.48

$1.11 $1.11

$3.03 $3.03

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.68 $2.68

$1.27 $1.27

$3.55 $3.55

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$14.76 $14.76

$11.81 $11.81

$19.68 $19.68

Wine (Bottle)

$15.72 $15.72

$12.28 $12.28

$19.67 $19.67

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.70 $1.70

$1.40 $1.40

$4.21 $4.21

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.69 $3.69

$1.77 $1.77

$7.10 $7.10

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.97 $0.97

$1.94 $1.94

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$28.53 $28.53

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.23 $3.23

$5.47 $5.47

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.89 $0.89

$2.96 $2.96

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$25.37 $25.37

$40.59 $40.59

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.82 $0.82

$0.70 $0.70

$1.27 $1.27

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$32.1K $32.1K

$25.1K $25.1K

$37.5K $37.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.9K $25.9K

$24.6K $24.6K

$27.3K $27.3K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$136 $136

$71.4 $71.4

$357 $357

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.5 $54.5

$35.53 $35.53

$102 $102

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$57.9 $57.9

$24.82 $24.82

$99.3 $99.3

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$40.29 $40.29

$17.63 $17.63

$50.4 $50.4

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$12.73 $12.73

Cinema Ticket

$7.88 $7.88

$19.71 $19.71

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,003 $1,003

$3,008 $3,008

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$38.6K $38.6K

$19.7K $19.7K

$44.9K $44.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$44.48 $44.48

$39.54 $39.54

$89.0 $89.0

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$51.0 $51.0

$29.67 $29.67

$74.2 $74.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$95.9 $95.9

$64.9 $64.9

$125 $125

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$144 $144

$74.1 $74.1

$247 $247

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,348 $1,348

$1,011 $1,011

$1,820 $1,820

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,249 $1,249

$950 $950

$1,799 $1,799

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,851 $1,851

$892 $892

$2,479 $2,479

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,001 $2,001

$1,801 $1,801

$2,201 $2,201

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,786 $1,786

$1,674 $1,674

$1,880 $1,880

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,788 $1,788

$1,676 $1,676

$1,882 $1,882

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$7,211 $7,211

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.53

7.3

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 12, 2026

West Lafayette, IN Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

272

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

315

Mbps

167

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in West Lafayette, IN - Frequently Asked Questions

West Lafayette tends to offer a practical balance between affordability and access, especially compared with major urban hubs. Consider the Cost of Living in West Lafayette, IN, United States when planning a longer stay. The college-town vibe shapes housing and groceries, with options that can feel more attainable than in big cities. You’ll find a mix of apartment layouts, from compact units to shared living arrangements, plus quiet neighborhoods near campus and parks. Dining and entertainment lean toward approachable options. Seasonal campus events can shift crowds and prices, so time your stays to match your plans. Tip: scout neighborhoods by walking or biking to save on transit.

When you land, focus your housing search within a reasonable bike ride of Purdue's campus or along transit corridors. West Lafayette, IN, United States living cost is manageable if you split a lease or choose smaller units; groceries are convenient at local stores and farmers markets with seasonal produce. Dining options range from campus eateries to casual bistros and international spots. For getting around, biking is popular; walking and campus shuttles work well, and driving is optional. Errands are easy with nearby services, libraries, and coworking spaces; plan a routine that minimizes backtracking during busy campus hours. Tip: plan fewer shopping trips by outlining weekly menus.

Quality of life here rewards practical planning and flexible routines. Use a simple budgeting approach that groups essentials (housing, utilities, groceries) and discretionary spend, adjusting for seasonal changes in activity and energy use. Neighborhood fit matters: choose a campus-adjacent area for social life and quick errands or a calmer residential stripe for long work sessions and quiet evenings. Seasonality brings busy weeks around football games or festivals, so align travel or long stays with quieter windows when possible. Tip: leverage coworking spaces, library resources, and local eateries offering predictable value to sustain momentum.