Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Provo, UT (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Lakewood is 38% more expensive than Provo.

$1,746/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 34%
$85,789/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 27%
$548,200 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 20%
$1,729/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 29%
156,309
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.65%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $594/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $7,128/year.

Median household income is $22,989/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Provo — common questions

Is Lakewood or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Provo?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $594/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Provo?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $22,989/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Utah?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Provo details →

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