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

Oceanside

California
179
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Oceanside is 27% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,207/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 21%
$93,724/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 8%
$702,000 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 22%
$2,232/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 23%
172,542
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

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oceanside, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 179 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $461/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $5,532/year.

Median household income is $7,935/year higher in Oceanside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oceanside is $702,000 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oceanside vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Oceanside or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oceanside and Lakewood?
Median rent in Oceanside is $2,207/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $461/month.
Which city has higher income, Oceanside or Lakewood?
Median household income is $93,724 in Oceanside and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $7,935/year higher in Oceanside.
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 Oceanside or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with median rent of $2,207/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 Oceanside details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oceanside and Lakewood

Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield