Lakewood, OH vs Lorain, OH
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lorain is 22% cheaper than Lakewood. With a cost index of 68 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lorain to Lakewood should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Lakewood is $1,013/month compared to $839/month in Lorain — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lorain is more affordable at $123,500 median vs $241,500.
Median household income in Lakewood is $65,925 compared to $45,799 in Lorain (+43.9%). 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 Lakewood spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, less than the 22% in Lorain.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.4°F vs 50.2°F). Lakewood receives more rainfall at 41" per year compared to 36.7" in Lorain.
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NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)