Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Philadelphia is 40% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,323/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 32%
$60,698/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 41%
$232,400 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 136%
$1,233/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 40%
1,582,432
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $423/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $5,076/year.

Median household income is $25,091/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Lakewood?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $423/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Lakewood?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $25,091/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Colorado?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Lakewood details →

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