Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Alexandria is 32% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,031/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 14%
$113,638/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 25%
$696,800 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 21%
$2,173/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 20%
156,788
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $27,849/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Alexandria or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Lakewood?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Lakewood?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $27,849/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Lakewood details →