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

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Vancouver is 13% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,632/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 7%
$78,156/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 10%
$440,300 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 25%
$1,607/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 8%
192,696
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Vancouver, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $7,633/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Vancouver or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vancouver is cheaper to live in with an index of 123 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and Lakewood?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Lakewood?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $7,633/year higher in Lakewood.
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 Vancouver or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/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 Vancouver details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Vancouver and Lakewood

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