Lakewood, CA vs Walnut, CA
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lakewood is 18.8% cheaper than Walnut. With a cost index of 174 vs 215, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lakewood to Walnut should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Lakewood is $2,324/month compared to $3,120/month in Walnut — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lakewood is more affordable at $774,100 median vs $972,500.
Median household income in Lakewood is $116,794 compared to $133,762 in Walnut (-12.7%). The higher salaries in Walnut partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Lakewood spend roughly 23.9% of their income on rent, less than the 28% in Walnut.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.9°F vs 66.1°F). Lakewood receives more rainfall at 12" per year compared to 10" in Walnut.
Income & Cost
Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)