Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Austin is 5% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,655/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 5%
$91,461/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 6%
$512,700 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 7%
$1,747/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 1%
967,862
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $91/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $1,092/year.

Median household income is $5,672/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Austin or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Lakewood?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $91/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Lakewood?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $5,672/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Colorado?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Lakewood details →

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