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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Lakewood is 38% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,746/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 37%
$85,789/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 28%
$548,200 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 92%
$1,729/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 42%
156,309
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $649/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $7,788/year.

Median household income is $24,284/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Lakewood or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $649/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $24,284/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Costa Mesa

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria