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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Lancaster is 12% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,696/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 3%
$76,083/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 13%
$409,100 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 34%
$1,746/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ≈ Same
170,013
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $9,706/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Lancaster or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Lakewood?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Lakewood?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $9,706/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Lakewood

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield