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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Lakewood is 55% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,746/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 22%
$85,789/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 27%
$548,200 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 51%
$1,729/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 24%
156,309
Population
117,460

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $23,000/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Lakewood or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and North Charleston?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or North Charleston?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $23,000/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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and North Charleston

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands