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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Modesto is 15% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,609/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 9%
$77,899/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 10%
$415,600 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 32%
$1,613/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 7%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $7,890/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Modesto or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Lakewood?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Lakewood?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $7,890/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 Modesto or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Lakewood

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield