Is Lakewood, CO cheaper than Elk Grove, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Lakewood, CO is 6.9% cheaper than Elk Grove, CA. This translates to saving $518 per month.

What salary do I need in Lakewood, CO to live like I do in Elk Grove, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Elk Grove, CA, you'd need approximately $143,779.269 in Lakewood, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Elk Grove, CA and Lakewood, CO?

Housing in Lakewood, CO is 12.2% cheaper than in Elk Grove, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,599/month in Lakewood, CO compared to $2,063/month in Elk Grove, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Elk Grove, CA to Lakewood, CO?

Moving from Elk Grove, CA to Lakewood, CO could save you approximately $518 per month, or $6221 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Elk Grove, CA vs Lakewood, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Elk Grove, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $518/month moving to Lakewood, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.8K in Lakewood, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$518

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Elk Grove, CA

Population:178K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$596K

Lakewood, CO

Population:156K

Cost Index:

(7% below avg)

Median Home:$585K

Elk Grove, CA

The Golden State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 178K residents.

Lakewood, CO

The Centennial State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 156K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Elk Grove, CA vs Lakewood, CO

Category	Elk Grove, CA	Lakewood, CO	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,221/mo	$2,827/mo	↓ $394less	12.2%
Other	$1,766/mo	$1,716/mo	↓ $49.82less	2.8%
Groceries	$1,047/mo	$1,012/mo	↓ $34.66less	3.3%
Transportation	$1,387/mo	$1,413/mo	↑ $25.92more	1.9%
All Utilities	$524/mo	$510/mo	↓ $13.34less	2.5%
Healthcare	$612/mo	$621/mo	↑ $9.15more	1.5%

Housing

↓ 12.2%

Elk Grove, CA

$3,221

Lakewood, CO

$2,827

Difference

$394

less

Other

↓ 2.8%

Elk Grove, CA

$1,766

Lakewood, CO

$1,716

Difference

$49.82

less

Groceries

↓ 3.3%

Elk Grove, CA

$1,047

Lakewood, CO

$1,012

Difference

$34.66

less

Transportation

↑ 1.9%

Elk Grove, CA

$1,387

Lakewood, CO

$1,413

Difference

$25.92

All Utilities

↓ 2.5%

Elk Grove, CA

$524

Lakewood, CO

$510

Difference

$13.34

less

Healthcare

↑ 1.5%

Elk Grove, CA

$612

Lakewood, CO

$621

Difference

$9.15

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,602

To$1,257

↓ $345

1 Bed

From$1,677

To$1,344

↓ $333

2 Bed

From$2,063

To$1,599

↓ $464

3 Bed

From$2,743

To$2,092

↓ $651

Elk Grove, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,000–$2,040/mo

Lakewood, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$1,900/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,556

Monthly in Elk Grove, CA

$8,100

Monthly in Lakewood, CO

$456

Difference

Home Values

Elk Grove

Lakewood

$596K

Median Value

$585K

↓ -3.6%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +24.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +20.1%

$566K - $627K

Price Range

$519K - $652K

Homes in Lakewood are 2% less expensive than Elk Grove

Calculate payment - Elk Grove Calculate payment - Lakewood

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$336

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Elk Grove, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Lakewood, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Elk Grove, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Lakewood, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.