Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Anaheim is 41% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,082/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 16%
$90,583/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 5%
$771,700 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 29%
$2,165/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 20%
344,553
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $336/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $4,032/year.

Median household income is $4,794/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Anaheim or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Lakewood?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $336/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Lakewood?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $4,794/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/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 Anaheim details → View Lakewood details →