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

Salinas

California
156
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Salinas is 15% more expensive than Lakewood.

$1,923/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 9%
$89,150/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 4%
$610,900 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 10%
$1,912/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 10%
161,993
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salinas, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 156 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $177/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $2,124/year.

Median household income is $3,361/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salinas is $610,900 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salinas vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Salinas or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salinas and Lakewood?
Median rent in Salinas is $1,923/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $177/month.
Which city has higher income, Salinas or Lakewood?
Median household income is $89,150 in Salinas and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $3,361/year higher in Salinas.
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 Salinas or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Salinas has a cost index of 156 with median rent of $1,923/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.
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