Is Lakewood, CO cheaper than Palmdale, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Lakewood, CO is 28.0% cheaper than Palmdale, CA. This translates to saving $2100 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Palmdale, CA, you'd need approximately $124,796.279 in Lakewood, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Lakewood, CO is 52.5% cheaper than in Palmdale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,599/month in Lakewood, CO compared to $1,862/month in Palmdale, CA.

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

Moving from Palmdale, CA to Lakewood, CO could save you approximately $2100 per month, or $25204 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Palmdale, CA vs Lakewood, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Palmdale, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Lakewood, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.8K in Lakewood, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,100

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Palmdale, CA

Population:161K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$489K

Lakewood, CO

Population:156K

Cost Index:

(28% below avg)

Median Home:$585K

Palmdale, CA

The Golden State

161K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Lakewood, CO

The Centennial State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Palmdale, CA vs Lakewood, CO

Category	Palmdale, CA	Lakewood, CO	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,945/mo	$2,827/mo	↓ $3,119less	52.5%
Transportation	$1,840/mo	$1,413/mo	↓ $427less	23.2%
Other	$1,476/mo	$1,716/mo	↑ $240more	16.3%
Healthcare	$511/mo	$621/mo	↑ $110more	21.5%
Groceries	$960/mo	$1,012/mo	↑ $51.64more	5.4%
All Utilities	$515/mo	$510/mo	↓ $4.15less	0.8%

Housing

↓ 52.5%

Palmdale, CA

$5,945

Lakewood, CO

$2,827

Difference

$3,119

less

Transportation

↓ 23.2%

Palmdale, CA

$1,840

Lakewood, CO

$1,413

Difference

$427

less

Other

↑ 16.3%

Palmdale, CA

$1,476

Lakewood, CO

$1,716

Difference

$240

Healthcare

↑ 21.5%

Palmdale, CA

$511

Lakewood, CO

$621

Difference

$110

Groceries

↑ 5.4%

Palmdale, CA

$960

Lakewood, CO

$1,012

Difference

$51.64

All Utilities

↓ 0.8%

Palmdale, CA

$515

Lakewood, CO

$510

Difference

$4.15

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,333

To$1,257

↓ $76.00

1 Bed

From$1,493

To$1,344

↓ $149

2 Bed

From$1,862

To$1,599

↓ $263

3 Bed

From$2,362

To$2,092

↓ $270

Palmdale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,060–$2,060/mo

Lakewood, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$1,900/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.

$11,247

Monthly in Palmdale, CA

$8,100

Monthly in Lakewood, CO

$3,148

Difference

Home Values

Palmdale

Lakewood

$489K

Median Value

$585K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +31.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +20.1%

$489K

Price Range

$519K - $652K

Homes in Lakewood are 19% more expensive than Palmdale

Calculate payment - Palmdale Calculate payment - Lakewood

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$336

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Palmdale, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Lakewood, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.