Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

St. Louis is 53% cheaper than Lakewood.

$978/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 79%
$55,279/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 55%
$185,100 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 196%
$1,013/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 71%
293,109
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $768/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $9,216/year.

Median household income is $30,510/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Lakewood — common questions

Is St. Louis or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Lakewood?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $768/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Lakewood?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $30,510/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Colorado?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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 St. Louis details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Louis and Lakewood

St. Louis vs. Greensboro St. Louis vs. Lincoln St. Louis vs. Pittsburgh St. Louis vs. Jersey City St. Louis vs. Newark St. Louis vs. Anchorage Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield