MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Aiken, SC โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Charlotte, NC area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.7K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $182.2K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 35.8%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$2,686
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$32.2K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Aiken, SC

Population:33K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$257K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:136
Median Home:$513K

Aiken, SC

The Palmetto State

33K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in South Carolina, this city has a population of 33K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Semi-arid

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขMile-high city (5,280 ft)
  • โ€ขOutdoor recreation hub
  • โ€ขMajor cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Aiken, SC vs Denver, CO

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 75.1%
Aiken, SC
$1,855
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,393
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 45.6%
Aiken, SC
$1,004
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$458
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 24.5%
Aiken, SC
$1,426
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$349
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 13.9%
Aiken, SC
$904
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$125
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 8.4%
Aiken, SC
$583
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$48.83
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 9.4%
Aiken, SC
$474
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$44.76
more

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Aiken, SC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$685
To$1,720
โ†‘ $1,035
1 Bed
From$813
To$1,840
โ†‘ $1,027
2 Bed
From$919
To$2,190
โ†‘ $1,271
3 Bed
From$1,185
To$2,870
โ†‘ $1,685
Aiken, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,130โ€“$1,160/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620โ€“$2,540/mo

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,246
Monthly in Aiken, SC
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$2,419
Difference

Home Values

Aiken
Denver
$257K
Median Value
$513K
โ†‘ +1%
YoY Change
โ†“ -4.2%
โ†‘ +23.1%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +13%
$207K - $307K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 100% more expensive than Aiken

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $3.4K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$280
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
2.2%
Rate difference

Aiken, SC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
South Carolina State Tax
Effective: 6.6%
$10.0K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 31.3%
$47.0K
Take-Home Pay
$8,586/month
$103.0K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Colorado State Tax
Effective: 4.4%
$6.6K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.1%
$43.6K
Take-Home Pay
$8,866/month
$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Aiken, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
Property Tax:0.6%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%
Property Tax:0.5%

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Aiken
Denver
51 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
46.2%
Good Air Days
35.2%
97 High
Climate Risk
95 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
โ–ฒ+2.9ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
36 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days
โ–ฒ+2.9ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
36 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between South Carolina and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com

Similar cost to Denver, CO

Other cities in a similar price range

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison