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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Lakewood is 59% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,746/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 76%
$85,789/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 112%
$548,200 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 231%
$1,729/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 74%
156,309
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,319/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $15,828/year.

Median household income is $96,073/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Lakewood or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,319/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $96,073/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston