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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Riverside is 2% more expensive than Lakewood.

$1,812/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 4%
$88,575/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 3%
$542,100 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 1%
$1,880/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 8%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $2,786/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Riverside or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Lakewood?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Lakewood?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $2,786/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Lakewood

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