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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Irvine is 82% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,893/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 40%
$129,647/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 34%
$1,115,400 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 51%
$2,904/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 40%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,147/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $13,764/year.

Median household income is $43,858/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Irvine or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Lakewood?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $1,147/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Lakewood?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $43,858/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

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