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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Ontario is 8% more expensive than Lakewood.

$1,916/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 9%
$82,806/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 4%
$568,000 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 3%
$1,967/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 12%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $2,983/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Ontario or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Lakewood?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Lakewood?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $2,983/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 Ontario or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Lakewood

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield