Littleton, CO vs. Lakewood, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Littleton vs Lakewood. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Littleton vs Lakewood in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in the cost of living. Here’s how Littleton and Lakewood compare for typical options:
| Housing Type | Littleton | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,850 | $2,100 |
| Median 3BR House Price | $550,000 | $625,000 |
🏆 Winner: Littleton. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs around $250 less per month in Littleton compared to Lakewood. Buying a home is also more affordable, with median prices about 12% lower in Littleton.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a significant monthly expense. In Littleton and Lakewood, expect to pay:
- Electricity: $110-140/month
- Natural gas: $40-70/month
- Water/sewer/trash: $90-120/month
- Internet: $60-80/month
Both cities have similar utility costs, but Lakewood’s water bills tend to be slightly higher due to infrastructure fees.
🏆 Winner: Littleton, but only by a small margin. Choosing an energy-efficient home or apartment is the best way to minimize utility expenses in either city.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
The cost of food, household items, and everyday spending is comparable between Littleton and Lakewood. Expect a monthly budget of around:
- Groceries for a family of 4: $900-1,100
- Dining out (2 people): $70-100 per meal
- Entertainment/hobbies: $200-400
🏆 Winner: Tie. Prices for groceries, restaurants, and retail goods are nearly identical in both cities.
4. Taxes and Fees
Taxes and local fees can add up:
- Littleton property tax rate: 0.696%
- Lakewood property tax rate: 0.723%
- HOA fees: $200-500/month (Littleton), $250-600/month (Lakewood)
🏆 Winner: Littleton. While the difference in property taxes is small, Littleton’s slightly lower rate can save a typical homeowner $150-200 per year. HOA fees also tend to be a bit lower in Littleton neighborhoods.
5. Cost Summary
| Expense Category | Littleton | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Mortgage or Rent) | $1,850 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $300 | $320 |
| Groceries & Dining Out | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $150 | $140 |
| Taxes & Fees | $350 | $400 |
| Miscellaneous | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,050 | $4,360 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While the cost of living is important, also consider which city better suits your lifestyle:
- Littleton has a quaint downtown with local shops and a slightly slower pace
- Lakewood offers more urban amenities, public transit, and quicker access to Denver
- Lakewood is 4°F warmer on average than Littleton
7. FAQ
Q: Is Littleton more affordable than Lakewood?
A: Yes, the cost of living in Littleton is about 5-7% lower overall, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Littleton has lower rent prices. A typical 2BR apartment is around $250 cheaper per month compared to Lakewood.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Littleton. The median price of a 3BR house is about $75,000 less than in Lakewood.
8. Conclusion
While both Littleton and Lakewood offer a high quality of life, Littleton comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. Cheaper housing, slightly lower taxes, and competitive utility costs make Littleton the more affordable choice for many households. However, Lakewood can be a great fit for those who value proximity to Denver and expanded public transit access. As always, the right choice depends on your specific budget, lifestyle, and preferences.