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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Lakewood is 16% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,746/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 25%
$85,789/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 19%
$548,200 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 8%
$1,729/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 29%
156,309
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $445/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $5,340/year.

Median household income is $16,532/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Lakewood or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Fairfield?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $445/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Fairfield?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $16,532/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Fairfield details →

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