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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Tucson is 46% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,079/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 62%
$54,546/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 57%
$242,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 126%
$1,076/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 61%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $667/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $8,004/year.

Median household income is $31,243/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Tucson or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Lakewood?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $667/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Lakewood?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $31,243/year higher in Lakewood.
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 Tucson or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Lakewood details →

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