Is Lakewood, CO cheaper than Fort Collins, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Lakewood, CO is 3.8% more expensive than Fort Collins, CO. This translates to spending an extra $288 per month.

What salary do I need in Lakewood, CO to live like I do in Fort Collins, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Fort Collins, CO, you'd need approximately $153,457.814 in Lakewood, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fort Collins, CO and Lakewood, CO?

Housing in Lakewood, CO is 3.8% more expensive than in Fort Collins, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,599/month in Lakewood, CO compared to $1,302/month in Fort Collins, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fort Collins, CO to Lakewood, CO?

Living in Lakewood, CO costs approximately $288 more per month than Fort Collins, CO, or $3458 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fort Collins, CO 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 Fort Collins, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $288/month more in Lakewood, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.5K in Lakewood, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 3.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$288

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.5K

Per year

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

Fort Collins, CO

Population:170K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$542K

Lakewood, CO

Population:156K

Cost Index:

104

(4% above avg)

Median Home:$585K

Fort Collins, CO

The Centennial State

170K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 170K 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: Fort Collins, CO vs Lakewood, CO

Category	Fort Collins, CO	Lakewood, CO	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,722/mo	$2,827/mo	↑ $105more	3.8%
Other	$1,652/mo	$1,716/mo	↑ $63.48more	3.8%
Transportation	$1,361/mo	$1,413/mo	↑ $52.29more	3.8%
Groceries	$993/mo	$1,012/mo	↑ $18.90more	1.9%
Healthcare	$610/mo	$621/mo	↑ $11.60more	1.9%
All Utilities	$501/mo	$510/mo	↑ $9.53more	1.9%

Housing

↑ 3.8%

Fort Collins, CO

$2,722

Lakewood, CO

$2,827

Difference

$105

Other

↑ 3.8%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,652

Lakewood, CO

$1,716

Difference

$63.48

Transportation

↑ 3.8%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,361

Lakewood, CO

$1,413

Difference

$52.29

Groceries

↑ 1.9%

Fort Collins, CO

$993

Lakewood, CO

$1,012

Difference

$18.90

Healthcare

↑ 1.9%

Fort Collins, CO

$610

Lakewood, CO

$621

Difference

$11.60

All Utilities

↑ 1.9%

Fort Collins, CO

$501

Lakewood, CO

$510

Difference

$9.53

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,136

To$1,257

↑ $121

1 Bed

From$1,152

To$1,344

↑ $192

2 Bed

From$1,302

To$1,599

↑ $297

3 Bed

From$1,797

To$2,092

↑ $295

Fort Collins, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,690/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.

$7,839

Monthly in Fort Collins, CO

$8,100

Monthly in Lakewood, CO

$260

Difference

Home Values

Fort Collins

Lakewood

$542K

Median Value

$585K

↓ -1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +23.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +20.1%

$509K - $574K

Price Range

$519K - $652K

Homes in Lakewood are 8% more expensive than Fort Collins

Calculate payment - Fort Collins Calculate payment - Lakewood

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Fort Collins, 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

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

Fort Collins, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

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.