Lakewood, CO vs. Aurora, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Denver suburbs? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Lakewood and Aurora, Colorado. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of living in Lakewood vs Aurora in 2025.
In 2025, the estimated monthly cost of living is $3,850 in Lakewood compared to $3,400 in Aurora for a typical household, a difference of $450 per month. Housing is the biggest factor, with Lakewood rent averaging 20% higher.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the largest expense in a household budget. Here’s how typical housing costs compare between Lakewood and Aurora:
| Housing Type | Lakewood | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,100 | $1,750 |
| Median 3BR House Price | $550,000 | $450,000 |
🏆 Winner: Aurora, with lower rent and home prices on average.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. A typical household in Lakewood pays around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash. Bills in Aurora average $160 monthly.
Both cities experience cold winters and mild summers. Heating costs will be higher November through March. Xcel Energy offers off-peak pricing and efficiency rebates in both locations.
🏆 Winner: Aurora, but only by a slight margin. Utility costs are comparable.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries, dining out, and everyday purchases cost about the same in Lakewood and Aurora. Expect to budget $500-700 per month for food for a family of two adults.
One notable difference: Aurora has more discount supermarkets like Aldi and Save-A-Lot, while Lakewood has a higher concentration of Whole Foods and upscale grocers. With some comparison shopping, though, you can find affordable groceries in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and daily living costs are nearly identical.
4. Taxes and Fees
Aurora has a slightly lower sales tax rate of 8.5% compared to Lakewood’s 8.6%. However, Lakewood’s property taxes are about 10% lower than Aurora.
If you own a home, budget 0.6% of your assessed home value for property taxes in Lakewood vs 0.7% in Aurora. So for a $500K house, expect to pay around $3,000 per year in Lakewood and $3,500 in Aurora.
In Lakewood, HOA fees often include trash and sometimes even cable/internet. Aurora HOAs more commonly only cover exteriors and amenities. Factor in $200-500/month either way.
🏆 Winner: Lakewood, especially for homeowners. The property tax savings add up.
5. Cost of Living Comparison Summary
| Category | Lakewood | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,100 | $1,750 |
| Utilities | $180 | $160 |
| Groceries | $600 | $600 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes | $250 | $290 |
| Misc | $220 | $150 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,850 | $3,400 |
Note: Figures above are estimates for a typical household expressed as gross monthly costs (pre-tax). Your actual cost of living will vary based on lifestyle, family size, housing choices, and spending habits.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Aurora offers a lower cost of living overall, Lakewood has some lifestyle advantages that could be worth the extra expense for some people:
- Lakewood is closer to the foothills and has quicker access to hiking and skiing
- Lakewood feels more “suburban” while Aurora has some urban/industrial pockets
- Lakewood averages 5°F cooler than Aurora in July and August
- Aurora has 2X as many RTD light rail stations for commuters
Lakewood is great for outdoorsy families who value mountain proximity and don’t mind paying a bit more for housing. Aurora appeals to commuters and anyone prioritizing affordability, as long as they’re okay with a little more traffic and summer heat.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakewood more affordable than Aurora?
No, Aurora has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. However, Lakewood has slightly lower property taxes for homeowners.
Which city has lower rent?
Aurora rent is about 20% lower than Lakewood. You can get a 2BR apartment for around $1,750/month in Aurora compared to $2,100/month in Lakewood.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Aurora home prices are roughly 20% less than Lakewood. However, Lakewood has lower property tax rates, so the savings is partially offset for homeowners.
8. Conclusion
While Aurora is cheaper overall, both Denver suburbs offer a relatively affordable cost of living compared to the metro area. Aurora is ideal for renters, commuters, and budget-conscious households. Lakewood is perfect for buyers who value mountain access and cooler summers.
The “right” choice depends on your lifestyle, housing needs, and spending priorities. Be sure to check out our other articles on monthly budget examples for Lakewood residents and the overall cost of living in Lakewood for more helpful info!