Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Independence, MO (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Lakewood is 110% more expensive than Independence.

$1,746/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 39%
$85,789/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 31%
$548,200 ↑ 229%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 70%
$1,729/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 40%
156,309
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $685/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $8,220/year.

Median household income is $26,309/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Independence — common questions

Is Lakewood or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Independence?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $685/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Independence?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $26,309/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Missouri?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Independence details →

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