Santa Ana, CA vs Lakewood, CO: 163 vs 141

$1,975/mo ↑ 13%

Median Rent

$1,746/mo ↓ 12%

$88,354/yr ↑ 3%

Median Income

$85,789/yr ↓ 3%

$657,800 ↑ 20%

Home Value

$548,200 ↓ 17%

$1,965/mo ↑ 14%

Owner Costs

$1,729/mo ↓ 12%

311,639

Population

156,309

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $229/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $2,748/year.

Median household income is $2,565/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Lakewood cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Lakewood?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $229/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Lakewood?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $2,565/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Lakewood?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Lakewood

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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