Aurora, CO vs. Lakewood, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Aurora vs Lakewood. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Aurora vs Lakewood in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Aurora and Lakewood. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage prices compare:
| Housing Type | Aurora | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,650 | $1,850 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $550,000 |
🏆 Winner: Aurora. Housing costs an estimated 10-20% less in Aurora compared to Lakewood.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two Denver suburbs. Expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment in either city.
Both cities experience cold winters and hot summers, so budget for higher heating and cooling bills seasonally. Xcel Energy offers money-saving programs like time-of-use rates in both Aurora and Lakewood.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable in Aurora and Lakewood.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are about 5% lower in Aurora compared to Lakewood, based on the Aurora Economic Development Council’s 2025 market basket survey. A gallon of milk averages $3.60 in Aurora vs. $3.80 in Lakewood, for example.
Eating out, entertainment, and other daily expenses also tend to be slightly cheaper in Aurora. Budget around $500 per person monthly for groceries and everyday spending in Aurora, or $550 in Lakewood.
🏆 Winner: Aurora edges out Lakewood on daily expenses.
4. Taxes and Fees
Aurora has a lower property tax rate of 0.637%, compared to Lakewood’s 0.723%. For a $500K home, that’s a difference of $430 per year.
However, Lakewood residents pay about $200 less annually in city service fees, since trash and recycling are included. Most Aurora neighborhoods have HOA fees that include these services, averaging $30-50 per month.
🏆 Winner: Lakewood has a slight edge when you factor in property taxes and city fees.
5. Cost of Living in Aurora vs Lakewood Summary
| Category | Aurora | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,650 | $1,850 |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 |
| Groceries | $500 | $550 |
| Transportation | $100 | $80 |
| Taxes & Fees | $300 | $280 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $550 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,230 | $3,490 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Aurora offers more affordable suburban living, with easier access to Denver International Airport. It’s a great fit for families who want space and don’t mind driving to amenities.
Lakewood is pricier but more walkable and transit-friendly. Light rail access makes commuting to downtown Denver a breeze. It suits young professionals and those who value an urban lifestyle.
Aurora averages 5°F warmer than Lakewood in summer due to its lower elevation. Both cities get over 300 days of sunshine per year.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Aurora more affordable than Lakewood?
Yes, Aurora’s cost of living is about 5-10% lower overall, mainly due to cheaper housing and daily expenses.
- Which city has lower rent?
Aurora rent is roughly 10% lower than Lakewood. A typical 2BR apartment runs $1,650 in Aurora vs. $1,850 in Lakewood.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Aurora homes cost around $450K compared to $550K in Lakewood for a similar 3BR house.
8. Conclusion
Aurora is the clear winner on overall affordability for most households earning a gross monthly income of $4,500 or less. It’s an ideal choice for budget-conscious families and those who don’t mind suburban living.
However, Lakewood can be worth the 5-10% premium for its walkable neighborhoods, public transit access, and proximity to the foothills. It’s a great pick for young professionals or Denver commuters.
Choosing between Aurora and Lakewood comes down to your budget, lifestyle, and what amenities matter most. Be sure to check out our other cost of living resources for Aurora and monthly budget examples to help with your decision!
Aurora, CO vs. Lakewood, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Aurora vs Lakewood. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Aurora vs Lakewood in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Aurora and Lakewood. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage prices compare:
| Housing Type | Aurora | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,650 | $1,850 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $550,000 |
🏆 Winner: Aurora. Housing costs an estimated 10-20% less in Aurora compared to Lakewood.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two Denver suburbs. Expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment in either city.
Both cities experience cold winters and hot summers, so budget for higher heating and cooling bills seasonally. Xcel Energy offers money-saving programs like time-of-use rates in both Aurora and Lakewood.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable in Aurora and Lakewood.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are about 5% lower in Aurora compared to Lakewood, based on the Aurora Economic Development Council’s 2025 market basket survey. A gallon of milk averages $3.60 in Aurora vs. $3.80 in Lakewood, for example.
Eating out, entertainment, and other daily expenses also tend to be slightly cheaper in Aurora. Budget around $500 per person monthly for groceries and everyday spending in Aurora, or $550 in Lakewood.
🏆 Winner: Aurora edges out Lakewood on daily expenses.
4. Taxes and Fees
Aurora has a lower property tax rate of 0.637%, compared to Lakewood’s 0.723%. For a $500K home, that’s a difference of $430 per year.
However, Lakewood residents pay about $200 less annually in city service fees, since trash and recycling are included. Most Aurora neighborhoods have HOA fees that include these services, averaging $30-50 per month.
🏆 Winner: Lakewood has a slight edge when you factor in property taxes and city fees.
5. Cost of Living in Aurora vs Lakewood Summary
| Category | Aurora | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,650 | $1,850 |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 |
| Groceries | $500 | $550 |
| Transportation | $100 | $80 |
| Taxes & Fees | $300 | $280 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $550 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,230 | $3,490 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Aurora offers more affordable suburban living, with easier access to Denver International Airport. It’s a great fit for families who want space and don’t mind driving to amenities.
Lakewood is pricier but more walkable and transit-friendly. Light rail access makes commuting to downtown Denver a breeze. It suits young professionals and those who value an urban lifestyle.
Aurora averages 5°F warmer than Lakewood in summer due to its lower elevation. Both cities get over 300 days of sunshine per year.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Aurora more affordable than Lakewood?
Yes, Aurora’s cost of living is about 5-10% lower overall, mainly due to cheaper housing and daily expenses.
- Which city has lower rent?
Aurora rent is roughly 10% lower than Lakewood. A typical 2BR apartment runs $1,650 in Aurora vs. $1,850 in Lakewood.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Aurora homes cost around $450K compared to $550K in Lakewood for a similar 3BR house.
8. Conclusion
Aurora is the clear winner on overall affordability for most households earning a gross monthly income of $4,500 or less. It’s an ideal choice for budget-conscious families and those who don’t mind suburban living.
However, Lakewood can be worth the 5-10% premium for its walkable neighborhoods, public transit access, and proximity to the foothills. It’s a great pick for young professionals or Denver commuters.
Choosing between Aurora and Lakewood comes down to your budget, lifestyle, and what amenities matter most. Be sure to check out our other cost of living resources for Aurora and monthly budget examples to help with your decision!