Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Washington is 21% more expensive than Lakewood.

$1,900/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 8%
$106,287/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 19%
$724,600 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 24%
$2,103/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 18%
672,079
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $20,498/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Washington or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Lakewood?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Lakewood?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $20,498/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Colorado?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Lakewood

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield