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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Lakewood is 36% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,746/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 27%
$85,789/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 21%
$548,200 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 91%
$1,729/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 35%
156,309
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $472/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $5,664/year.

Median household income is $17,989/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Lakewood or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Pasadena?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $472/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Pasadena?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $17,989/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Pasadena 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 Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth