Cost of Living: Huntington Beach, CA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Huntington Beach is 61% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,424/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 28%
$119,885/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 28%
$1,047,300 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 48%
$2,436/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 29%
196,010
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $678/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $8,136/year.

Median household income is $34,096/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Lakewood?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $678/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Lakewood?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $34,096/year higher in Huntington Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Huntington Beach or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntington Beach details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntington Beach and Lakewood

Huntington Beach vs. Overland Park Huntington Beach vs. Peoria Huntington Beach vs. Sioux Falls Huntington Beach vs. Knoxville Huntington Beach vs. Grand Rapids Huntington Beach vs. Vancouver Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield