Kettering, OH vs Lakewood, OH

Kettering is moderately more affordable than Lakewood, with a 6.2% lower cost of living index. Kettering scores 78 compared to 83 for Lakewood, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Lakewood can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Kettering is $983/month compared to $1,013/month in Lakewood — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kettering is more affordable at $192,500 median vs $241,500.

Median household income in Kettering is $71,619 compared to $65,925 in Lakewood (+8.6%). Kettering offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Kettering spend roughly 16.5% of their income on rent, less than the 18.4% in Lakewood.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (54.1°F vs 52.4°F). Lakewood receives more rainfall at 41" per year compared to 41" in Kettering.