Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Athens, GA (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Lakewood is 70% more expensive than Athens.

$1,746/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 33%
$85,789/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 40%
$548,200 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 50%
$1,729/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 33%
156,309
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.49%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $584/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $7,008/year.

Median household income is $34,134/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Athens — common questions

Is Lakewood or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Athens?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $584/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Athens?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $34,134/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Georgia?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Athens details →

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