Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Baltimore is 40% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,290/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 35%
$59,623/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 44%
$219,300 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 150%
$1,333/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 30%
577,193
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $456/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $5,472/year.

Median household income is $26,166/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Baltimore or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Lakewood?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $456/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Lakewood?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $26,166/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Colorado?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Lakewood

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield