Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Lakewood is 12% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,746/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 10%
$85,789/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 9%
$548,200 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 28%
$1,729/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 8%
156,309
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
2.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $7,582/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Surprise — common questions

Is Lakewood or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Surprise?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Surprise?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $7,582/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Arizona?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Surprise

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite