Fremont, CA vs Lakewood, CA

The cost of living difference between Fremont, CA and Lakewood, CA is dramatic. Lakewood is 34.9% cheaper than Fremont, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fremont has a cost index of 235 while Lakewood sits at 174, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month compared to $2,324/month in Lakewood — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lakewood is more affordable at $774,100 median vs $1,289,400.

Median household income in Fremont is $176,350 compared to $116,794 in Lakewood (+51%). While Fremont is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fremont spend roughly 19.8% of their income on rent, less than the 23.9% in Lakewood.

Climate-wise, Lakewood is notably warmer with an average of 64.9°F compared to 59.9°F in Fremont. Fremont receives more rainfall at 13.5" per year compared to 12" in Lakewood.