Is Washington, DC cheaper than Lakewood, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 42.9% more expensive than Lakewood, CO. This translates to spending an extra $3218 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lakewood, CO, you'd need approximately $188,618.377 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lakewood, CO and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 119.7% more expensive than in Lakewood, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $1,599/month in Lakewood, CO.

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

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $3218 more per month than Lakewood, CO, or $38618 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lakewood, CO vs Washington, DC: 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 $3.2K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $188.6K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 42.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,218

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$38.6K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

143

(43% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Lakewood, CO

The Centennial State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lakewood, CO vs Washington, DC

Category	Lakewood, CO	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,827/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $3,384more	119.7%
Transportation	$1,413/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $472more	33.4%
Other	$1,716/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $109more	6.3%
Groceries	$1,012/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $67.13more	6.6%
Healthcare	$621/mo	$632/mo	↑ $10.54more	1.7%
All Utilities	$510/mo	$508/mo	↓ $2.27less	0.4%

Housing

↑ 119.7%

Lakewood, CO

$2,827

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$3,384

Transportation

↑ 33.4%

Lakewood, CO

$1,413

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$472

Other

↑ 6.3%

Lakewood, CO

$1,716

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$109

Groceries

↑ 6.6%

Lakewood, CO

$1,012

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$67.13

Healthcare

↑ 1.7%

Lakewood, CO

$621

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$10.54

All Utilities

↓ 0.4%

Lakewood, CO

$510

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$2.27

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,257

To$2,150

↑ $893

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$2,215

↑ $871

2 Bed

From$1,599

To$2,470

↑ $871

3 Bed

From$2,092

To$3,115

↑ $1,023

Lakewood, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$1,900/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$4,040

Difference

Home Values

Lakewood

Washington

$585K

Median Value

$556K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +20.1%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$519K - $652K

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 5% less expensive than Lakewood

Calculate payment - Lakewood Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$379

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Lakewood, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.