Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Kent, WA (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Lakewood is 3% cheaper than Kent.

$1,746/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 5%
$85,789/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 5%
$548,200 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 2%
$1,729/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 11%
156,309
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $4,627/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Kent — common questions

Is Lakewood or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Kent?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Kent?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $4,627/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Washington?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Kent

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights