Lakewood, CO

Very High · 141

Colorado · Population 156,309 · Updated March 2026

$1,746
Median Rent / Month
$85,789
Median Income
$548,200
Median Home Value
$1,729
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Lakewood

24.4%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Colorado

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.4%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
2.9%
State Sales Tax
0.51%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$20,952
Annual Rent
$3,775
State Income Taxtop marginal rate
$2,796
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Lakewood has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 141 (where 100 equals the national median), Lakewood residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,746/month while earning a median household income of $85,789/year.

The median home value in Lakewood, CO is $548,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,729 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 24.4% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Colorado has a moderate income tax rate of 4.4%. Combined with a 2.9% sales tax rate and 0.51% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Lakewood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Lakewood

What is the cost of living in Lakewood, CO?
The cost of living index in Lakewood, CO is 141 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,746, median household income is $85,789/year, and the median home value is $548,200.
Is Lakewood, CO affordable?
No, Lakewood is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 141. The rent-to-income ratio is 24.4%—below the 30% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Lakewood, CO?
The median gross rent in Lakewood, CO is $1,746 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $20,952.
What is the median household income in Lakewood?
The median household income in Lakewood, CO is $85,789 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Colorado?
Colorado has a top income tax rate of 4.4%, a sales tax of 2.9%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.51%.

Compare Lakewood With

Similar-sized cities to compare

All Lakewood Comparisons

Compare the cost of living in Lakewood, CO with 299 other major U.S. cities

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