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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Santa Clarita is 40% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,486/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 30%
$119,926/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 28%
$721,000 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 24%
$2,649/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 35%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $740/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $8,880/year.

Median household income is $34,137/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Lakewood?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $740/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Lakewood?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $34,137/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Lakewood

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield