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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Long Beach is 20% more expensive than Lakewood.

$1,803/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 3%
$83,969/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 2%
$762,200 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 28%
$1,890/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 9%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $1,820/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Long Beach or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Lakewood?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Lakewood?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $1,820/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 Long Beach or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and Lakewood

Long Beach vs. Raleigh Long Beach vs. Virginia Beach Long Beach vs. Colorado Springs Long Beach vs. Miami Long Beach vs. Omaha Long Beach vs. Oakland Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield