Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Detroit is 62% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,034/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 69%
$39,575/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 117%
$76,800 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 614%
$868/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 99%
636,644
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $712/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $8,544/year.

Median household income is $46,214/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Detroit or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Lakewood?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $712/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Lakewood?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $46,214/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Colorado?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Lakewood

Detroit vs. Portland Detroit vs. Memphis Detroit vs. Las Vegas Detroit vs. Louisville Detroit vs. Boston Detroit vs. Baltimore Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield