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

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Rancho Cucamonga is 29% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,286/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 24%
$109,511/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 22%
$694,400 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 21%
$2,324/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 26%
174,693
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

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $540/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $6,480/year.

Median household income is $23,722/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rancho Cucamonga is $694,400 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rancho Cucamonga vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Rancho Cucamonga or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rancho Cucamonga and Lakewood?
Median rent in Rancho Cucamonga is $2,286/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $540/month.
Which city has higher income, Rancho Cucamonga or Lakewood?
Median household income is $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $23,722/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,286/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 Rancho Cucamonga details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

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Rancho Cucamonga vs. Salem Rancho Cucamonga vs. Oceanside Rancho Cucamonga vs. Cary Rancho Cucamonga vs. Clarksville Rancho Cucamonga vs. Santa Rosa Rancho Cucamonga vs. Garden Grove Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield