Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Lakewood is 41% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,746/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 25%
$85,789/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 26%
$548,200 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 36%
$1,729/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 21%
156,309
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $435/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $5,220/year.

Median household income is $21,889/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Lakewood or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Wilmington?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $435/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Wilmington?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $21,889/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and North Carolina?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Wilmington details →

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