Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Lakewood is 143% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,746/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 44%
$85,789/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 39%
$548,200 ↑ 359%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 78%
$1,729/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 43%
156,309
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $770/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $9,240/year.

Median household income is $33,619/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Lansing — common questions

Is Lakewood or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Lansing?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $770/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Lansing?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $33,619/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Michigan?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Lansing details →

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Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Lansing vs. Las Cruces Lansing vs. Pompano Beach Lansing vs. Gresham Lansing vs. Peoria Lansing vs. Beaumont Lansing vs. Downey