Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Lakewood is 44% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,746/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 43%
$85,789/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 88%
$548,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 119%
$1,729/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 50%
156,309
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $759/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $9,108/year.

Median household income is $75,511/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Lakewood or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Bellevue?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $759/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Bellevue?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $75,511/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Washington?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

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