Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Lakewood is 5% more expensive than East Los Angeles.

$1,746/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 18%
$85,789/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 20%
$548,200 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 12%
$1,729/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 16%
156,309
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $17,411/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Lakewood or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, East Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $17,411/year higher in Lakewood.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and East Los Angeles

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo