2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Monterey, CA vs Lafayette, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Lafayette older or younger than people in Monterey?
- The Median Age in Lafayette is 7.4 years older than in Monterey.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lafayette or Monterey?
- Lafayette housing costs are 72.9% more expensive than Monterey housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lafayette or Monterey?
- The average commute for residents of Lafayette is 16.2 minutes longer than it is for residents of Monterey.

Things to do in Monterey?
Monterey, CA is an iconic beach city located on the Monterey Peninsula of California's central coast. This picturesque coastal community offers stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, fabulous restaurants and galleries, plus numerous other recreational activities.

Things to do in Lafayette?
Lafayette, California is an affluent suburban community located in the San Francisco Bay Area. The city offers a variety of shopping and recreation opportunities, including historic landmarks, scenic parks and trails, world-class golf courses, and more. With easy access to major highways and transportation options like BART, Lafayette is the perfect place for commuters. Its vibrant downtown area hosts numerous restaurants and entertainment venues that make it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for culture or natural beauty, Lafayette provides plenty of options to explore.

 Monterey, CALafayette, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock25,384329,725,481
 Median Income$85,365  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock44.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,022,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.25  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Monterey    21 Reviews

Over 8 years ago

The Monterey city area is an excellent place to live and one of the few California locales where it's relatively safe to raise a family. If I could no longer live here I  More

   |    Reply

I grew up on the Monterey Peninsula and had to leave to climb out of poverty. The median income is $35,000 and outside of the military, the jobs are mostly service  More

   |    Reply

My husband and I are just crazy about Monterey. I wonder if we take housing expenses (mortgage or rent) out of the picture, is Monterey still a very expensive city to  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Monterey

Reviews for Lafayette    4 Reviews

Over 14 years ago

Living in Lafayette is wonderful, if you can afford it! The rolling hills, the great schools and the climate make this a great place to  More

   |    Reply

Great place to raise kids, nice restaurants and some good stores. A bit sparse on things like theaters etc. Weather in Summer is HOT HOT HOT. Bring sunblock and  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

Summers are too cool due to marine  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Lafayette


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.