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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Torrance

California
218

Lakewood is 35% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,746/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 27%
$85,789/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 32%
$548,200 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 89%
$1,729/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 33%
156,309
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $468/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $5,616/year.

Median household income is $27,316/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Torrance — common questions

Is Lakewood or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Torrance?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $468/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Torrance?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $27,316/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

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