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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Lakewood is 19% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,746/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 33%
$85,789/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 28%
$548,200 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 11%
$1,729/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 38%
156,309
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $584/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $7,008/year.

Median household income is $23,991/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Lakewood or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Murrieta?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $584/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Murrieta?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $23,991/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Murrieta 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 Murrieta vs. Downey Murrieta vs. Pueblo Murrieta vs. Peoria Murrieta vs. Miami Gardens Murrieta vs. Pompano Beach Murrieta vs. Everett