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Cost of Living in Lafayette County

Is it better to rent or buy in Lafayette County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$82,418
$932/mo

Median in area: $932

$225,536

Median in area: $225,536

$45,107

If you Rent

🔑
$1,164 /mo
Base Rent$932
Est. Utilities$232
% of Income16.9%
Pre-tax Residual$5,704

If you Buy

🏠
$1,670 /mo
P&I (7.128%)$1,216
Taxes & Ins$222
Est. Utilities$232
% of Income24.3%
Pre-tax Residual$5,198

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Lafayette County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyJackson County, MO
$1,301/mo
countyCarroll County, MO
$755/mo
countySaline County, MO
$739/mo
countyRay County, MO
$821/mo
countyJohnson County, MO
$881/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Lafayette County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Lafayette County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,164, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,670 per month (a difference of $506).

How much do utilities cost in Lafayette County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Lafayette County is approximately $232. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Lafayette County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Lafayette County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $46,560 per year.