How much does it cost to rent in West Lafayette, IN?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in West Lafayette, IN is $1,841. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is West Lafayette cheaper than other Indiana cities?

West Lafayette is one of the pricier cities in Indiana, ranking #11 out of 65 cities tracked at $1,841/mo.

When was West Lafayette rent data last updated?

West Lafayette rent data reflects July 2026 and was last refreshed on July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.

City Report · IN

West Lafayette

Name: Average Rent Prices in West Lafayette, IN
Creator: RentDataNow
License: https://rentdatanow.com/terms-of-service

Pop. 45,159·11th most expensive in Indiana·Rental market data updated monthly for West Lafayette, IN

Median rent (all units)

$1,841/mo

Year-over-Year

-1.1%

Month-over-Month

+3.4%

vs US Median

-$124

Rising (Monthly)

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Most AffordableMost Expensive

West Lafayette · $1,841

More affordable than 51% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

49/100

Fairly priced

OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where West Lafayette's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent

$1,841/mo

Expected by trend

$1,835/mo

The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where West Lafayette's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$830

1 BR

$970

2 BR

$1,160

3 BR

$1,400

4 BR+

$1,750

Research median

$1,160/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost

$22,092/yr

At $1,841/mo median

Rent Market Meter

Landlord's Market

Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market

Rents are climbing (1.1% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.

Based on rent-price momentum (-1.1% YoY, +3.4% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

West Lafayette, IN is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 73.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population

45,159

Median income

$34,891

Median age

21.4

Renters

70.6%

Age distribution

70.2%

Under 188.3%

18–3470.2%

35–549.8%

55–644.3%

65+7.4%

Gender

55.7%

44.3%

Male55.7%

Female44.3%

Race & ethnicity

67.6%

21.9%

White67.6%

Black3.7%

Hispanic5.5%

Asian21.9%

Other1.3%

Education (25+)

14.9%

73.3%

No HS diploma2.4%

HS diploma9.4%

Some college14.9%

Bachelor's+73.3%

Housing tenure

29.4%

70.6%

Owner29.4%

Renter70.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How West Lafayette, IN has changed in 5 years

Rent

$1,255 → $1,841

up 46.7%

Income

$28,744 → $34,891

up 21.4%

Population

44,515 → 45,159

up 1.4%

Renter share

69.4% → 70.6%

+1.2 pts

Bachelor's+

72.3% → 73.3%

+1.0 pts

The median rent in West Lafayette, IN stood at $1,255 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,841, reflecting a 46.7% increase over the period. Census figures show median household income at $34,891 today, compared with $28,744 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 1.4% since 2021, moving from about 44,515 residents to roughly 45,159. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about West Lafayette

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View West Lafayette rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in West Lafayette on your salary?

At $1,841/mo, how West Lafayette rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $86,922/yr · Rent = 25.4% income

affordable

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $61,714/yr · Rent = 35.8% income

stretched

Police Officer

Avg $71,088/yr · Rent = 31.1% income

stretched

Software Developer

Avg $127,061/yr · Rent = 17.4% income

very comfortable

Lawyer

Avg $162,352/yr · Rent = 13.6% income

very comfortable

Firefighter

Avg $57,785/yr · Rent = 38.2% income

stretched

Truck Driver

Avg $52,173/yr · Rent = 42.3% income

rent-burdened

Electrician

Avg $64,308/yr · Rent = 34.4% income

stretched

By apartment size

West Lafayette rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in West Lafayette. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in West Lafayette

About renting in West Lafayette, IN

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in West Lafayette is $1,841/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $830/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,160/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $970/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,400/mo.

At 63% of local median household income ($34,891/yr), West Lafayette ranks as expensive compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 1.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is West Lafayette an affordable city for renters?

West Lafayette is considered expensive for renters. At $1,841/mo, rent takes approximately 63% of the local median household income ($34,891/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. West Lafayette significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in West Lafayette?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $74,000/year (~$36/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,841/mo in West Lafayette. The local median household income is $34,891/yr, meaning the typical West Lafayette household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in West Lafayette?

Rent in West Lafayette has decreased 1.1% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does West Lafayette rent compare to other cities in Indiana?

West Lafayette is one of the pricier cities in Indiana for rent, ranking #11 out of 65 tracked cities at $1,841/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than West Lafayette?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than West Lafayette ($1,841/mo): Frankfort ($763/mo), Crawfordsville ($954/mo), Logansport ($995/mo).

What percentage of West Lafayette residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 70.6% of West Lafayette households are renters, while 29.4% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, West Lafayette has a strong rental market.

How does West Lafayette rent compare to the national average?

West Lafayette's median rent of $1,841/mo is $124 (6%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Indiana, it ranks #11 out of 65 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

63%

EXPENSIVE

At $1,841/mo, rent takes ~63% of West Lafayette's median household income ($34,891/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

West Lafayette 63%Benchmark 30%

State income tax3.05%

Run the West Lafayette affordability calculator →

Nearby cities