Arvada, CO vs. Lakewood, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Arvada vs Lakewood. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Arvada vs Lakewood in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in the cost of living. Here’s how Arvada and Lakewood compare for typical rentals and home prices:
| Housing Type | Arvada | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,850 | $2,100 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $550,000 | $590,000 |
🏆 Winner: Arvada. Housing costs an estimated 10-15% less in Arvada compared to Lakewood.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a significant monthly expense. In Arvada and Lakewood, expect to pay:
- Electricity: $110-140/month
- Natural gas: $60-90/month in winter, $20-40/month in summer
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $90-120/month
Both cities have similar utility rates. Lakewood homes may have slightly lower heating and cooling costs due to the milder climate.
🏆 Winner: Lakewood, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are comparable between the two cities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, expect to budget $900-1,100 per month for groceries in either Arvada or Lakewood. Restaurant prices are also similar, with a basic meal out costing around $12-15 per person.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and daily living costs are nearly identical in Arvada and Lakewood.
4. Taxes and Fees
Arvada’s property tax rate is 0.703%, while Lakewood’s is slightly higher at 0.736%. For a $500K home, that’s a difference of about $165 per year.
In Arvada, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $200-400/month. Lakewood HOAs tend to be a bit lower at $150-300/month.
🏆 Winner: Arvada. The combination of lower property taxes and HOA fees gives Arvada a slight edge.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Arvada | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $2,750 | $3,100 |
| Utilities | $280 | $260 |
| Groceries | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $200 | $180 |
| Taxes & Fees | $350 | $380 |
| Misc | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,980 | $5,320 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While the cost of living is important, so is quality of life. Some key differences between Arvada and Lakewood:
- Arvada offers more space and a small-town feel, while Lakewood is more urban with better walkability.
- Lakewood has more public transportation options, which can mean an easier commute.
- Arvada gets about 20% more snow than Lakewood, which can impact winter driving.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Arvada more affordable than Lakewood?
A: Yes, Arvada is an estimated 5-10% cheaper than Lakewood overall, primarily due to lower housing costs.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Arvada rent prices are around 10-15% lower than comparable apartments or houses in Lakewood.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Median home prices in Arvada are about 5-10% less than in Lakewood. Use our [Monthly Budget Examples for Arvada Residents](/arvada-co/monthly-budget/) to estimate your costs.
8. Conclusion
While Arvada comes out ahead on housing and taxes, the overall cost of living in Arvada is only slightly lower than Lakewood. Ultimately, the best fit depends on your lifestyle priorities.
Budget-conscious families or remote workers may prefer Arvada for its affordability and extra space. Professionals who value shorter commutes and urban amenities might find Lakewood worth the premium.
Whichever you choose, both Arvada and Lakewood offer a high quality of life in the Denver metro area. We recommend visiting each city in person before making a final decision.