Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Scottsdale is 17% more expensive than Lakewood.

$1,910/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 9%
$107,372/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 20%
$709,900 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 23%
$1,824/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 5%
242,169
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $21,583/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Lakewood?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Lakewood?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $21,583/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Lakewood

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield