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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Ventura

California
183

Lakewood is 23% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,746/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 20%
$85,789/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 17%
$548,200 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 42%
$1,729/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 22%
156,309
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $14,618/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Ventura — common questions

Is Lakewood or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Ventura?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Ventura?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $14,618/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Ventura 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 Ventura vs. Temecula Ventura vs. Santa Maria Ventura vs. Costa Mesa Ventura vs. Sugar Land Ventura vs. Everett Ventura vs. Greeley