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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Fresno is 28% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,324/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 32%
$66,804/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 28%
$348,500 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 57%
$1,391/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 24%
543,615
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $422/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $5,064/year.

Median household income is $18,985/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Fresno or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Lakewood?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $422/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Lakewood?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $18,985/year higher in Lakewood.
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 Fresno or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Lakewood details →

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