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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Lakewood is 54% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,746/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 71%
$85,789/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 102%
$548,200 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 179%
$1,729/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 76%
156,309
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,239/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $14,868/year.

Median household income is $87,881/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Lakewood or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,239/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $87,881/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Santa Clara

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville