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Aurora vs Lakewood: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Lakewood is 5% more expensive than Aurora. Lakewood is 5% safer. Aurora population: 410,053. Lakewood population: 156,927.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingAurora
SafetyLakewood
HousingAurora

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Aurora vs Lakewood

Aurora is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 122 vs 128 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 6 index points.

CategoryAuroraLakewood
Overall Index122128
Housing$3,115/moIndex: 175$3,382/moIndex: 190
Groceries$426/moIndex: 104$431/moIndex: 105
Transportation$371/moIndex: 106$375/moIndex: 107
Healthcare$336/moIndex: 105$336/moIndex: 105
Utilities$198/moIndex: 90$198/moIndex: 90

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Aurora vs Lakewood

Lakewood is 5% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.2 per 1,000 residents vs Aurora's 24.4. Lakewood earns a C+ safety grade compared to Aurora's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

Aurora

Colorado

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate24.4/1K
TrendStable
C+

Lakewood

Colorado

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.2/1K
TrendImproving
MetricAuroraLakewood
Overall Crime Rate24.4/1K23.2/1K
Violent Crime Rate421.8433.4
Property Crime Rate2017.01885.4
Murder Rate6.16.1
Assault Rate284.7267.4
Robbery Rate87.982.6
Burglary Rate214.6318.5
Theft Rate1264.91518.2
Vehicle Theft Rate182.8212.5

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Aurora, you have a 1 in 41 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 43 in Lakewood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aurora cheaper than Lakewood?
Aurora is 5% more affordable than Lakewood, with a cost of living index of 122 vs 128 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $3,115/mo in Aurora vs $3,382/mo in Lakewood.
Is Aurora safer than Lakewood?
Lakewood is 5% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.2 per 1,000 residents vs Aurora's 24.4. Lakewood earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Aurora or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood is safer (C+ grade). Aurora is more affordable (index 122 vs 128). Aurora has a population of 410,053 and Lakewood has 156,927. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Aurora compared to Lakewood?
Aurora has a population of 410,053 and Lakewood has 156,927. Aurora is 161% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Aurora or Lakewood?
Housing is cheaper in Aurora. Estimated monthly housing costs: Aurora $3,115/mo vs Lakewood $3,382/mo. That's based on a housing index of 175 vs 190 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C+
Aurora Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Lakewood Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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