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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Los Angeles is 33% more expensive than Lakewood.

$1,879/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 7%
$80,366/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 7%
$879,500 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 38%
$2,055/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 16%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $133/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $1,596/year.

Median household income is $5,423/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Lakewood?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $133/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Lakewood?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $5,423/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 Los Angeles or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Lakewood details →

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