Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Lakewood, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 61.7% more expensive than Lakewood, CO. This translates to spending an extra $4628 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lakewood, CO, you'd need approximately $205,541.848 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lakewood, CO and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 166.6% more expensive than in Lakewood, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,599/month in Lakewood, CO.

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

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $4628 more per month than Lakewood, CO, or $55542 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lakewood, CO vs Seattle, WA: 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 $4.6K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $205.5K in Seattle, WA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 61.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,628

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$55.5K

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

162

(62% above avg)

Median Home:$808K

Lakewood, CO

The Centennial State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lakewood, CO vs Seattle, WA

Category	Lakewood, CO	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,827/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $4,709more	166.6%
Transportation	$1,413/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $485more	34.4%
Other	$1,716/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $260more	15.1%
Healthcare	$621/mo	$824/mo	↑ $203more	32.6%
Groceries	$1,012/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $67.13more	6.6%
All Utilities	$510/mo	$481/mo	↓ $29.59less	5.8%

Housing

↑ 166.6%

Lakewood, CO

$2,827

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$4,709

Transportation

↑ 34.4%

Lakewood, CO

$1,413

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$485

Other

↑ 15.1%

Lakewood, CO

$1,716

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$260

Healthcare

↑ 32.6%

Lakewood, CO

$621

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$203

Groceries

↑ 6.6%

Lakewood, CO

$1,012

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$67.13

All Utilities

↓ 5.8%

Lakewood, CO

$510

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$29.59

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,257

To$2,180

↑ $923

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$2,260

↑ $916

2 Bed

From$1,599

To$2,630

↑ $1,031

3 Bed

From$2,092

To$3,440

↑ $1,348

Lakewood, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$1,900/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$5,695

Difference

Home Values

Lakewood

Seattle

$585K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +20.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$519K - $652K

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 38% more expensive than Lakewood

Calculate payment - Lakewood Calculate payment - Seattle

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$550

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

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

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Lakewood, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.