Benicia, CA vs Lakewood, CA

Benicia, CA and Lakewood, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.4% difference in their overall index. Benicia scores 170 while Lakewood scores 174 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Benicia is $2,234/month compared to $2,324/month in Lakewood — a 4% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Benicia has cheaper rent, Lakewood actually has lower median home values ($774,100 vs $778,600).

Median household income in Benicia is $125,040 compared to $116,794 in Lakewood (+7.1%). Benicia offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Benicia spend roughly 21.4% of their income on rent, less than the 23.9% in Lakewood.