Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Fort Collins is 3% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,661/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 5%
$83,598/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 3%
$548,400 ≈ Same
Home Value
$548,200 ≈ Same
$1,692/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 2%
169,705
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $2,191/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Lakewood?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Lakewood?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $2,191/year higher in Lakewood.
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 Fort Collins or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Lakewood

Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield