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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Oakland is 38% more expensive than Lakewood.

$1,917/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 9%
$97,369/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 12%
$924,700 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 41%
$2,164/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 20%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $11,580/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Oakland or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Lakewood?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Lakewood?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $11,580/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Lakewood

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