Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Salt Lake City is 17% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,343/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 30%
$74,925/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 14%
$495,700 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 11%
$1,394/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 24%
203,888
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $403/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $4,836/year.

Median household income is $10,864/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Lakewood?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $403/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Lakewood?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $10,864/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Colorado?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Lakewood

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