Is Boston, MA cheaper than Lakewood, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 40.1% more expensive than Lakewood, CO. This translates to spending an extra $3007 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Lakewood, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Lakewood, CO, you'd need approximately $186,079.857 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lakewood, CO and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 86.6% more expensive than in Lakewood, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,599/month in Lakewood, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lakewood, CO to Boston, MA?

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $3007 more per month than Lakewood, CO, or $36080 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lakewood, CO vs Boston, MA: 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 Lakewood, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.0K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $186.1K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↑ 40.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,007

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$36.1K

Per year

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

Lakewood, CO

Population:156K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$585K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

140

(40% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Lakewood, CO

The Centennial State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lakewood, CO vs Boston, MA

Category	Lakewood, CO	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,827/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $2,449more	86.6%
Transportation	$1,413/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $417more	29.5%
All Utilities	$510/mo	$716/mo	↑ $205more	40.2%
Healthcare	$621/mo	$743/mo	↑ $122more	19.6%
Other	$1,716/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $109more	6.3%
Groceries	$1,012/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $67.13more	6.6%

Housing

↑ 86.6%

Lakewood, CO

$2,827

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,449

Transportation

↑ 29.5%

Lakewood, CO

$1,413

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$417

All Utilities

↑ 40.2%

Lakewood, CO

$510

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$205

Healthcare

↑ 19.6%

Lakewood, CO

$621

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$122

Other

↑ 6.3%

Lakewood, CO

$1,716

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$109

Groceries

↑ 6.6%

Lakewood, CO

$1,012

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$67.13

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,257

To$3,095

↑ $1,838

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$3,255

↑ $1,911

2 Bed

From$1,599

To$3,865

↑ $2,266

3 Bed

From$2,092

To$4,630

↑ $2,538

Lakewood, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$1,900/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$8,100

Monthly in Lakewood, CO

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,369

Difference

Home Values

Lakewood

Boston

$585K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +20.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$519K - $652K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 64% more expensive than Lakewood

Calculate payment - Lakewood Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $900

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$75.00

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

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

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Lakewood, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.