Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Lakewood is 41% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,746/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 57%
$85,789/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 47%
$548,200 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 90%
$1,729/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 52%
156,309
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $996/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $11,952/year.

Median household income is $40,680/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Lakewood or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Cambridge?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $996/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Cambridge?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $40,680/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Massachusetts?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Cambridge details →

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