Golden, CO vs. Lakewood, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which Denver suburb gives you more bang for your buck – Golden or Lakewood? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help families relocating to the area, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone curious about the real-life expenses of living in Golden vs Lakewood in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Golden and Lakewood stack up for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Golden | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,150 | $1,950 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $750,000 | $650,000 |
🏆 Winner: Lakewood. Renting a 2BR apartment costs about $200 less per month in Lakewood compared to Golden, while buying a typical 3BR home is around $100,000 cheaper.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash services for a 2BR apartment in either Golden or Lakewood. Costs may be slightly higher in the winter due to heating needs.
🏆 Winner: Tie. There are no major differences in utility costs between Golden and Lakewood.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices and everyday expenses like dining out or buying household goods are comparable in Golden and Lakewood. Budget around $400-500 per month for groceries for a couple. A meal at a mid-range restaurant averages $50-60 for two people in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. The cost of groceries and daily living expenses is very similar between the two Denver suburbs.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both Golden and Lakewood have a sales tax rate of 8.0%, which includes state, county and city taxes. Property tax rates are also similar – homeowners can expect to pay around 0.6% of their home’s assessed value annually in either city.
One difference: In Golden, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash collection, while Lakewood residents may need to pay for those separately in some neighborhoods.
🏆 Winner: Slight edge to Golden for potentially lower HOA fees that cover more services compared to Lakewood.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Expense Category | Golden | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR rent) | $2,150 | $1,950 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 |
| Transportation | $75 | $60 |
| Misc Expenses | $300 | $300 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,200 | $2,985 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Lakewood has a slight cost advantage, Golden offers perks like walkability, open space, and a quaint downtown. Lakewood has more public transportation options and a shorter average commute to Denver. Both cities have great access to the foothills and outdoor recreation.
Consider the tradeoffs that matter most to you, like more living space in Lakewood vs the charm and amenities of Golden. Analyze your average monthly expenses in Golden, CO or review the full cost of living in Golden to refine your comparison.
7. FAQ
Is Golden more affordable than Lakewood?
Lakewood has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing costs. However, the difference is relatively small.
Which city has lower rent?
Lakewood has lower average rent prices. Expect to pay around $200 less per month for a 2BR apartment compared to Golden.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Home prices are about $100,000 lower in Lakewood than Golden for a comparable 3BR house. Lakewood is more affordable for homebuyers.
8. Conclusion
Lakewood comes out slightly ahead in terms of sheer cost of living, particularly for housing. However, Golden provides a unique small town feel while still being close to Denver. Consider your lifestyle priorities and review detailed cost breakdowns to see which city is the best fit for your budget and preferences.