Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Tampa is 20% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,567/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 11%
$71,302/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 20%
$375,300 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 46%
$1,553/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 11%
393,389
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $14,487/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Tampa or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Lakewood?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Lakewood?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $14,487/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Colorado?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Lakewood details →

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