Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Lakewood is 7% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,746/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 3%
$85,789/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 32%
$548,200 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 10%
$1,729/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 13%
156,309
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.4%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $27,607/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Arvada — common questions

Is Lakewood or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Arvada?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Arvada?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $27,607/year higher in Arvada.
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 Lakewood or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Arvada

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence