Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Elk Grove is 19% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,180/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 20%
$122,229/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 30%
$603,400 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 9%
$2,227/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 22%
177,221
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $434/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $5,208/year.

Median household income is $36,440/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Lakewood?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $434/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Lakewood?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $36,440/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Lakewood

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield