Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Columbus is 51% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,072/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 63%
$56,622/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 52%
$182,300 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 201%
$1,064/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 62%
204,383
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $674/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $8,088/year.

Median household income is $29,167/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Columbus or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Lakewood?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $674/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Lakewood?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $29,167/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Colorado?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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 Columbus details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Lakewood

Columbus vs. Worcester Columbus vs. Salt Lake City Columbus vs. Cape Coral Columbus vs. Little Rock Columbus vs. Yonkers Columbus vs. McKinney Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield