Let’s Set the Stage
When it comes to living comfortably in Lakewood, CO, income benchmarks and housing norms paint a clear picture of the lifestyle you can expect in this vibrant Denver suburb. In 2025, the cost of living comfortably in Lakewood depends on your household size and personal expectations, but a general range emerges for most residents.
For a single adult, a gross monthly income around $4,000 provides a solid foundation for covering essential costs with some room for savings and discretionary spending. Couples without children typically need about $5,500 per month to maintain a comfortable standard of living, while a family of four should aim for at least $7,500 monthly to avoid financial strain.
Of course, these benchmarks can shift based on your housing situation, transportation needs, and lifestyle preferences. Let’s break down the key expenses that shape the cost of living comfortably in Lakewood.
Essential Monthly Costs
No matter your household size, certain non-negotiable expenses form the backbone of your monthly budget in Lakewood. These include:
- Housing: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,600, while a two-bedroom runs about $2,100. Homeowners should budget for a mortgage, property taxes, and insurance.
- Utilities: Expect to pay around $200 for electricity, gas, water, and trash service. High-speed internet adds another $60-80 per month.
- Transportation: A monthly RTD pass for buses and light rail costs $114. Car owners must factor in loan payments, gas, insurance, and maintenance.
- Groceries: Plan for about $400 per adult per month, plus $250-300 per child.
- Healthcare: Budget at least $300 per person for health insurance premiums, prescriptions, and routine care.
To put these costs in perspective, here’s a sample monthly budget for a single adult in Lakewood:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,600 |
| Utilities | $280 |
| Transportation | $500 |
| Groceries | $400 |
| Healthcare | $300 |
| Total | $3,080 |
🏆 Quick Stat: Average rent for a 1BR apartment in Lakewood: $1,600
Comfortable Lifestyles by Household Type
Beyond the essentials, your household size and composition significantly shape how much you need to live comfortably in Lakewood. Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly income needs:
- Single adult: $4,000-4,500 covers basic expenses with some flexibility for dining out, entertainment, and savings.
- Couple without children: $5,500-6,000 allows for a comfortable one or two-bedroom apartment, one car, and occasional travel.
- Family of four: $7,500-8,500 provides a cushion for childcare, extracurriculars, and future planning, but may require tradeoffs in housing or discretionary spending.
| Household Type | Comfortable Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| Single adult | $4,000 – $4,500 |
| Couple without children | $5,500 – $6,000 |
| Family of four | $7,500 – $8,500 |
Keep in mind that these ranges represent gross monthly income, meaning your pre-tax earnings. They also assume a relatively modest lifestyle without significant luxury spending. If you value abundant space, frequent travel, or premium experiences, you may need a higher income to feel truly comfortable.
Hidden or Overlooked Costs
When estimating how much you need to live comfortably in Lakewood, don’t forget to account for expenses that are easy to miss in your monthly budget, such as:
- HOA fees, which can add $200-400 per month for many apartments and townhomes
- Childcare costs, which often exceed $1,000 per month for a single child
- Commuting expenses like tolls, parking, and vehicle wear-and-tear
- Seasonal spikes in utility bills, especially summer air conditioning and winter heating
Building a buffer into your budget helps you absorb these occasional costs without derailing your financial stability.
Ways to Stretch Your Budget in Lakewood
While the cost of living in Lakewood is higher than the national average, savvy residents have several options for making their money go further:
The Lakewood Older Adult Services program provides discounts and resources for seniors, including transportation assistance and recreational activities.
Taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates, typically between 9pm and 9am, can significantly lower your utility bills. Installing solar panels is another option for eco-conscious homeowners.
Planning ahead for irregular expenses, like annual car registration or holiday gifts, prevents these costs from catching you off guard. Consider setting aside a small amount each month in a dedicated savings account.
Which Lifestyle Fits You Best?
Ultimately, how much you need to live comfortably in Lakewood depends on your unique priorities and life stage. A young professional may feel at ease renting a small apartment and relying on public transit, while a growing family might require a higher income to secure a spacious home in a top school district.
If you value an urban lifestyle with walkable amenities, you can likely manage on $3,500-4,000 per month as a single adult. However, if you dream of a detached home with a private yard and two-car garage, a household income closer to $8,000 may be necessary to achieve that level of comfort.
The key is to align your financial means with your personal vision of a comfortable life in Lakewood. Our Monthly Budget Examples for Lakewood Residents can help you crunch the numbers for your specific situation.
FAQs About Comfort & Cost
What is a comfortable salary in Lakewood?
For a single person, a salary of $48,000-54,000 typically enables a comfortable lifestyle. Couples should aim for $66,000-72,000, while families of four need around $90,000-102,000.
Can you live well on $3,000 per month in Lakewood?
A monthly budget of $3,000 can cover basic living expenses, but it may require compromises on housing or discretionary spending. Most single adults need closer to $4,000 for greater comfort and financial breathing room.
What costs surprise new Lakewood residents?
New residents are often caught off guard by high HOA fees, rising summer utility costs, and the expense of owning a car in the Denver metro area. Careful budgeting can help manage these sneaky costs.
Final Thoughts
By now, you should have a clearer sense of how much you need to live comfortably in Lakewood based on your household size and lifestyle expectations. As a general rule of thumb, aim for a monthly income that’s 2.5-3x your core living expenses to give yourself ample room for saving, investing, and enjoying all that this vibrant city has to offer.
For a more personalized assessment, check out our Cost of Living in Lakewood (2025 Guide), which dives deeper into budgeting for specific life stages and career paths. With the right planning and financial awareness, you can achieve the comfortable Lakewood lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of.