Is Elk Grove, CA cheaper than Lakewood, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Elk Grove, CA is 7.4% more expensive than Lakewood, CO. This translates to spending an extra $557 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lakewood, CO, you'd need approximately $156,682.629 in Elk Grove, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Elk Grove, CA is 13.9% more expensive than in Lakewood, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,063/month in Elk Grove, CA compared to $1,599/month in Lakewood, CO.

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

Living in Elk Grove, CA costs approximately $557 more per month than Lakewood, CO, or $6683 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lakewood, CO vs Elk Grove, CA: 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 $557/month more in Elk Grove, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.7K in Elk Grove, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 7.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$557

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.7K

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

Elk Grove, CA

Population:178K

Cost Index:

107

(7% above avg)

Median Home:$596K

Lakewood, CO

The Centennial State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Elk Grove, CA

The Golden State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lakewood, CO vs Elk Grove, CA

Category	Lakewood, CO	Elk Grove, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,827/mo	$3,221/mo	↑ $394more	13.9%
Other	$1,716/mo	$1,766/mo	↑ $49.82more	2.9%
Groceries	$1,012/mo	$1,047/mo	↑ $34.66more	3.4%
Transportation	$1,413/mo	$1,387/mo	↓ $25.92less	1.8%
All Utilities	$510/mo	$524/mo	↑ $13.34more	2.6%
Healthcare	$621/mo	$612/mo	↓ $9.15less	1.5%

Housing

↑ 13.9%

Lakewood, CO

$2,827

Elk Grove, CA

$3,221

Difference

$394

Other

↑ 2.9%

Lakewood, CO

$1,716

Elk Grove, CA

$1,766

Difference

$49.82

Groceries

↑ 3.4%

Lakewood, CO

$1,012

Elk Grove, CA

$1,047

Difference

$34.66

Transportation

↓ 1.8%

Lakewood, CO

$1,413

Elk Grove, CA

$1,387

Difference

$25.92

less

All Utilities

↑ 2.6%

Lakewood, CO

$510

Elk Grove, CA

$524

Difference

$13.34

Healthcare

↓ 1.5%

Lakewood, CO

$621

Elk Grove, CA

$612

Difference

$9.15

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,257

To$1,602

↑ $345

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$1,677

↑ $333

2 Bed

From$1,599

To$2,063

↑ $464

3 Bed

From$2,092

To$2,743

↑ $651

Lakewood, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$1,900/mo

Elk Grove, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,000–$2,040/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

$8,556

Monthly in Elk Grove, CA

$456

Difference

Home Values

Lakewood

Elk Grove

$585K

Median Value

$596K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3.6%

↑ +20.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +24.6%

$519K - $652K

Price Range

$566K - $627K

Homes in Elk Grove are 2% more expensive than Lakewood

Calculate payment - Lakewood Calculate payment - Elk Grove

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$336

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Lakewood, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Elk Grove, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.