Is Palmdale, CA cheaper than Lakewood, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Palmdale, CA is 38.9% more expensive than Lakewood, CO. This translates to spending an extra $2917 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lakewood, CO, you'd need approximately $185,007.179 in Palmdale, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Palmdale, CA is 110.3% more expensive than in Lakewood, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,862/month in Palmdale, CA compared to $1,599/month in Lakewood, CO.

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

Living in Palmdale, CA costs approximately $2917 more per month than Lakewood, CO, or $35007 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lakewood, CO vs Palmdale, 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 $2.9K/month more in Palmdale, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $185.0K in Palmdale, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 38.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,917

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$35.0K

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

Palmdale, CA

Population:161K

Cost Index:

139

(39% above avg)

Median Home:$489K

Lakewood, CO

The Centennial State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Palmdale, CA

The Golden State

161K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 161K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lakewood, CO vs Palmdale, CA

Category	Lakewood, CO	Palmdale, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,827/mo	$5,945/mo	↑ $3,119more	110.3%
Transportation	$1,413/mo	$1,840/mo	↑ $427more	30.2%
Other	$1,716/mo	$1,476/mo	↓ $240less	14.0%
Healthcare	$621/mo	$511/mo	↓ $110less	17.7%
Groceries	$1,012/mo	$960/mo	↓ $51.64less	5.1%
All Utilities	$510/mo	$515/mo	↑ $4.15more	0.8%

Housing

↑ 110.3%

Lakewood, CO

$2,827

Palmdale, CA

$5,945

Difference

$3,119

Transportation

↑ 30.2%

Lakewood, CO

$1,413

Palmdale, CA

$1,840

Difference

$427

Other

↓ 14.0%

Lakewood, CO

$1,716

Palmdale, CA

$1,476

Difference

$240

less

Healthcare

↓ 17.7%

Lakewood, CO

$621

Palmdale, CA

$511

Difference

$110

less

Groceries

↓ 5.1%

Lakewood, CO

$1,012

Palmdale, CA

$960

Difference

$51.64

less

All Utilities

↑ 0.8%

Lakewood, CO

$510

Palmdale, CA

$515

Difference

$4.15

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,257

To$1,333

↑ $76.00

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$1,493

↑ $149

2 Bed

From$1,599

To$1,862

↑ $263

3 Bed

From$2,092

To$2,362

↑ $270

Lakewood, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$1,900/mo

Palmdale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,060–$2,060/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

$11,247

Monthly in Palmdale, CA

$3,148

Difference

Home Values

Lakewood

Palmdale

$585K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +20.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +31.3%

$519K - $652K

Price Range

$489K

Homes in Palmdale are 16% less expensive than Lakewood

Calculate payment - Lakewood Calculate payment - Palmdale

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

Palmdale, 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%

Palmdale, 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.