Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Reno is 13% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,453/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 20%
$78,448/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 9%
$498,600 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 10%
$1,482/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 17%
268,959
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $7,341/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Reno or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Lakewood?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Lakewood?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $7,341/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Colorado?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

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