Cost of Living in Lakewood, CO
Population 156,309 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lakewood lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $548,000 — 80% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Colorado.
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 $548,200 — 80% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,746/month, 33% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $85,789/year is 15% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Colorado's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.8%. Overall, Lakewood has a cost of living index of 161 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 61% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lakewood, CO?
Lakewood has a cost index of 161 (100 = national average). It is 61% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lakewood, CO?
The median gross rent in Lakewood is $1,746 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lakewood?
The median home value in Lakewood is $548,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lakewood?
The median household income in Lakewood is $85,789 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lakewood, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lakewood is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Lakewood, CO affordable?
Lakewood is above average in cost of living, with an index of 161 — about 61% higher than the national average.
Lakewood at a Glance
- Population
- 156,309
- Median Income
- $85,789
- Home Value
- $548,200
- Median Rent
- $1,746/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Colorado Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs