Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Boston is 25% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,093/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 17%
$94,755/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 9%
$710,400 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 23%
$2,176/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 21%
663,972
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $8,966/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Boston or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Lakewood?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Lakewood?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $8,966/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Colorado?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Lakewood details →

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