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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Sacramento is 6% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,694/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 3%
$83,753/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 2%
$484,600 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 13%
$1,752/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 1%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $2,036/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Sacramento or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Lakewood?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Lakewood?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $2,036/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 Sacramento or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Lakewood

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield