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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Denver is 4% more expensive than Lakewood.

$1,770/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 1%
$91,681/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 6%
$586,700 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 7%
$1,839/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 6%
713,734
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

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,892/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Denver or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Lakewood?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Lakewood?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $5,892/year higher in Denver.
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 Denver or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Lakewood

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield