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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Richmond

California
161

Lakewood is 12% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,746/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 9%
$85,789/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 5%
$548,200 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 19%
$1,729/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 17%
156,309
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $4,249/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Richmond — common questions

Is Lakewood or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Richmond?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $149/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Richmond?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $4,249/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Richmond

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell