Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Lakewood, CO?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 35.4% more expensive than Lakewood, CO. This translates to spending an extra $2654 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lakewood, CO, you'd need approximately $181,848.989 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 84.8% more expensive than in Lakewood, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,599/month in Lakewood, CO.

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

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $2654 more per month than Lakewood, CO, or $31849 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lakewood, CO vs San Diego, 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 $2.7K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $181.8K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 35.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,654

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$31.8K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

135

(35% above avg)

Median Home:$980K

Lakewood, CO

The Centennial State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lakewood, CO vs San Diego, CA

Category	Lakewood, CO	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,827/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $2,397more	84.8%
Other	$1,716/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $176more	10.3%
Transportation	$1,413/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $158more	11.2%
All Utilities	$510/mo	$634/mo	↑ $123more	24.2%
Groceries	$1,012/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $67.13more	6.6%
Healthcare	$621/mo	$638/mo	↑ $16.74more	2.7%

Housing

↑ 84.8%

Lakewood, CO

$2,827

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,397

Other

↑ 10.3%

Lakewood, CO

$1,716

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$176

Transportation

↑ 11.2%

Lakewood, CO

$1,413

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$158

All Utilities

↑ 24.2%

Lakewood, CO

$510

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$123

Groceries

↑ 6.6%

Lakewood, CO

$1,012

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$67.13

Healthcare

↑ 2.7%

Lakewood, CO

$621

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$16.74

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,257

To$2,565

↑ $1,308

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$2,755

↑ $1,411

2 Bed

From$1,599

To$3,360

↑ $1,761

3 Bed

From$2,092

To$4,475

↑ $2,383

Lakewood, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$1,900/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$2,937

Difference

Home Values

Lakewood

San Diego

$585K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +20.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$519K - $652K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 68% more expensive than Lakewood

Calculate payment - Lakewood Calculate payment - San Diego

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

San Diego, 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%

San Diego, 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.