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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

San Francisco is 89% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,419/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 28%
$141,446/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 39%
$1,380,500 ↑ 152%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 60%
$2,620/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 34%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $673/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $8,076/year.

Median household income is $55,657/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Lakewood — common questions

Is San Francisco or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Lakewood?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $673/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Lakewood?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $55,657/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Lakewood details →

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