Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Aurora is 8% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,759/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ≈ Same
$84,320/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 2%
$444,500 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 23%
$1,762/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 2%
390,201
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.4%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,469/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Aurora or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Lakewood?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Lakewood?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $1,469/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Colorado?
Both cities are in Colorado and share the same state tax rates: 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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 Aurora details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Lakewood

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield