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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Palmdale is 8% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,736/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ≈ Same
$81,151/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 6%
$435,300 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 26%
$1,831/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 6%
165,487
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,638/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Palmdale or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Lakewood?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Lakewood?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $4,638/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 Palmdale or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palmdale and Lakewood

Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield