Dayton, OH vs Lakewood, OH

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Dayton is 20.2% cheaper than Lakewood. With a cost index of 66 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Dayton to Lakewood should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Dayton is $866/month compared to $1,013/month in Lakewood — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dayton is more affordable at $93,200 median vs $241,500.

Median household income in Dayton is $43,454 compared to $65,925 in Lakewood (-34.1%). While Lakewood is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Dayton spend roughly 23.9% of their income on rent, more than the 18.4% in Lakewood.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53.9°F vs 52.4°F). Dayton receives more rainfall at 41.3" per year compared to 41" in Lakewood.