Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Lakewood is 10% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,746/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 7%
$85,789/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 5%
$548,200 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 14%
$1,729/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 2%
156,309
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.4%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $4,249/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Charleston — common questions

Is Lakewood or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Charleston?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Charleston?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $4,249/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and South Carolina?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Charleston details →

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