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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Lakewood is 3% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$1,746/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 5%
$85,789/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 1%
$548,200 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 13%
$1,729/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 3%
156,309
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $1,172/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Lakewood or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $1,172/year higher in Lakewood.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton