Santa Rosa, CA vs Lakewood, CO: 172 vs 141

$2,084/mo ↑ 19%

Median Rent

$1,746/mo ↓ 16%

$97,410/yr ↑ 14%

Median Income

$85,789/yr ↓ 12%

$685,000 ↑ 25%

Home Value

$548,200 ↓ 20%

$2,130/mo ↑ 23%

Owner Costs

$1,729/mo ↓ 19%

177,216

Population

156,309

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $11,621/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Lakewood cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Lakewood?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $338/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Lakewood?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $11,621/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa or Lakewood?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa, CA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Santa Rosa

Lakewood

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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