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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Lakewood is 76% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,746/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 34%
$85,789/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 35%
$548,200 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 56%
$1,729/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 32%
156,309
Population
138,019

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $30,136/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Columbia — common questions

Is Lakewood or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Columbia?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Columbia?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $30,136/year higher in Lakewood.
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 Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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