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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Lakewood is 28% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,746/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 22%
$85,789/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 21%
$548,200 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 57%
$1,729/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 30%
156,309
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $378/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $4,536/year.

Median household income is $18,430/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Lakewood or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Fullerton?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $378/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Fullerton?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $18,430/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

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Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren