Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Lakewood is 76% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,746/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 39%
$85,789/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 31%
$548,200 ↑ 273%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 73%
$1,729/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 39%
156,309
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
2.9%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $673/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $8,076/year.

Median household income is $26,606/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Lakewood or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Kansas City?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $673/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Kansas City?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $26,606/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Kansas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Kansas City details →