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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Lakewood is 44% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,746/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 22%
$85,789/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 27%
$548,200 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 146%
$1,729/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 35%
156,309
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $22,769/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Lakewood or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Berkeley?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Berkeley?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $22,769/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Berkeley details →

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