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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Orange

California
206

Lakewood is 32% cheaper than Orange.

$1,746/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 29%
$85,789/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 36%
$548,200 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 64%
$1,729/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 38%
156,309
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $31,156/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Orange — common questions

Is Lakewood or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Orange?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Orange?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $31,156/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Orange

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City