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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

San Diego is 40% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,223/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 21%
$104,321/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 18%
$848,500 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 35%
$2,308/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 25%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $477/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $5,724/year.

Median household income is $18,532/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Lakewood — common questions

Is San Diego or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Lakewood?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $477/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Lakewood?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $18,532/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Lakewood

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield