Highlands Ranch, CO vs Lakewood, CO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lakewood is 22.2% cheaper than Highlands Ranch. With a cost index of 135 vs 165, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lakewood to Highlands Ranch should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Highlands Ranch is $2,397/month compared to $1,746/month in Lakewood — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lakewood is more affordable at $548,200 median vs $672,600.

Median household income in Highlands Ranch is $155,847 compared to $85,789 in Lakewood (+81.7%). While Highlands Ranch is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Highlands Ranch spend roughly 18.5% of their income on rent, less than the 24.4% in Lakewood.