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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

San Jose is 80% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,617/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 33%
$141,565/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 39%
$1,187,800 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 54%
$2,775/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 38%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $871/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $10,452/year.

Median household income is $55,776/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Lakewood — common questions

Is San Jose or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Lakewood?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $871/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Lakewood?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $55,776/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Lakewood details →

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