Is Denver, CO cheaper than Lakewood, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 3.4% more expensive than Lakewood, CO. This translates to spending an extra $257 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lakewood, CO, you'd need approximately $153,079.089 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lakewood, CO and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 14.9% more expensive than in Lakewood, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,599/month in Lakewood, CO.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $257 more per month than Lakewood, CO, or $3079 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lakewood, CO vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lakewood, CO — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Denver, CO area

Current salary in Lakewood, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $257/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.1K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$257

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.1K

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

Median Home:$585K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$513K

Lakewood, CO

The Centennial State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lakewood, CO vs Denver, CO

Category	Lakewood, CO	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,827/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $422more	14.9%
📦Other	$1,716/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $58.70more	3.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,413/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $48.35more	3.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,012/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $17.17more	1.7%
🏥Healthcare	$621/mo	$632/mo	↑ $10.54more	1.7%
⚡All Utilities	$510/mo	$519/mo	↑ $8.66more	1.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 14.9%

Lakewood, CO

$2,827

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$422

📦Other

↑ 3.4%

Lakewood, CO

$1,716

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$58.70

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.4%

Lakewood, CO

$1,413

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$48.35

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.7%

Lakewood, CO

$1,012

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$17.17

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.7%

Lakewood, CO

$621

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$10.54

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.7%

Lakewood, CO

$510

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$8.66

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Lakewood, CO has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,257

To$1,720

↑ $463

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$1,840

↑ $496

2 Bed

From$1,599

To$2,190

↑ $591

3 Bed

From$2,092

To$2,870

↑ $778

Lakewood, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$1,900/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$565

Difference

Home Values

Lakewood

Denver

$585K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +20.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$519K - $652K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 12% less expensive than Lakewood

Calculate payment - Lakewood Calculate payment - Denver

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

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

Denver, 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

Lakewood, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Denver, 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.