Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Seattle is 39% more expensive than Lakewood.

$1,998/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 13%
$121,984/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 30%
$912,100 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 40%
$2,220/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 22%
741,440
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $36,195/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Seattle or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Lakewood?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Lakewood?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $36,195/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Lakewood

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield