Cost of Living in Lakewood, CA
Population 80,510 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Lakewood run well above the national baseline, with a median of $774,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $116,794 place the city among the better-paid California metros.
Geographically, Lakewood sits roughly 5 miles southwest of Norwalk. Median home values run roughly 26% higher than Norwalk's $617,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lakewood
The median home value in Lakewood is $774,100 — 154% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,324/month, 77% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $116,794/year is 57% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 73.9°F and lows of 55.9°F. Overall, Lakewood has a cost of living index of 223 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 123% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 67 | 67 | 69 | 71 | 73 | 76 | 81 | 83 | 82 | 78 | 73 | 67 |
| Low °F | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 | 58 | 61 | 65 | 66 | 64 | 59 | 52 | 47 |
| Precip" | 2.89 | 3.02 | 1.65 | 0.56 | 0.26 | 0.07 | 0.05 | 0.01 | 0.08 | 0.53 | 0.75 | 2.15 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lakewood, CA?
Lakewood has a cost index of 223 (100 = national average). It is 123% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lakewood, CA?
The median gross rent in Lakewood is $2,324 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lakewood?
The median home value in Lakewood is $774,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lakewood?
The median household income in Lakewood is $116,794 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lakewood, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lakewood is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Lakewood, CA affordable?
Lakewood is above average in cost of living, with an index of 223 — about 123% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Lakewood?
Lakewood has average high temperatures of 73.9°F and average lows of 55.9°F. Annual precipitation is 12". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lakewood at a Glance
- Population
- 80,510
- Median Income
- $116,794
- Home Value
- $774,100
- Median Rent
- $2,324/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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