Defiance, OH vs Lakewood, OH

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Defiance is 17.3% cheaper than Lakewood. With a cost index of 69 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Defiance to Lakewood should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Defiance is $841/month compared to $1,013/month in Lakewood — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Defiance is more affordable at $134,600 median vs $241,500.

Median household income in Defiance is $63,118 compared to $65,925 in Lakewood (-4.3%). Lakewood does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Defiance spend roughly 16% of their income on rent, less than the 18.4% in Lakewood.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50°F vs 52.4°F). Lakewood receives more rainfall at 41" per year compared to 33" in Defiance.