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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Arlington is 44% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,275/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 23%
$140,160/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 39%
$864,800 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 37%
$2,414/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 28%
235,463
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $529/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $6,348/year.

Median household income is $54,371/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Arlington or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Lakewood?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $529/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Lakewood?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $54,371/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Lakewood

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield