Athens, OH vs Lakewood, OH

Athens, OH and Lakewood, OH have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.2% difference in their overall index. Athens scores 83 while Lakewood scores 83 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 Athens is $1,029/month compared to $1,013/month in Lakewood — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lakewood is more affordable at $241,500 median vs $242,200.

Median household income in Athens is $37,059 compared to $65,925 in Lakewood (-43.8%). Lakewood offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Athens spend roughly 33.3% of their income on rent, more than the 18.4% in Lakewood. The Lakewood ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (54.9°F vs 52.4°F). Athens receives more rainfall at 44.2" per year compared to 41" in Lakewood.