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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Lakewood is 17% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,746/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 11%
$85,789/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 5%
$548,200 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 21%
$1,729/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 5%
156,309
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $194/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $2,328/year.

Median household income is $4,700/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Lakewood or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $194/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $4,700/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Michigan?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Ann Arbor details →

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