A+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
9%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Lakewood Ohio National
Cost of living9489100
Groceries9797100
Health care9796100
Housing9174100
Transportation9396100
Utilities9596100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9495100
Household Items9497100
Education & Childcare9493100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lakewood, OH

The cost of living in Lakewood affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Lakewood is 94, which is 6% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Lakewood is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Lakewood?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 14 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Lakewood. The results indicated that 50% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 50% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Lakewood Affordable?

Wondering if Lakewood is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Lakewood, for example, the median home price is 7.1% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 14.5% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Lakewood boasting a median household income of $79,939, which is 1.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lakewood?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Lakewood, the transportation index stands at 6.7% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Lakewood, the utilities index registers at 4.9% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Lakewood, the groceries index is 3.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Lakewood cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lakewood is 5% higher than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Lakewood is 6% lower than the national average
  • Lakewood housing is 9% lower than the national average
  • Ohio general sales tax is 13% higher than the national average
  • Ohio state income tax is 6% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Lakewood

See all the best places to live around Lakewood

Compare Lakewood, OH Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$136,947$11,412$3,195$4,109
      Renters$60,106$5,009$1,402$1,803
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Lakewood is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Lakewood has a median income of about $136,947 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,195 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $60,106. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,402 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Ohio Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Ohio 5.75% 8%

      Ohio Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Ohio 2.76% 3.99%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      East Cleveland, OH17,5638020.2%
      Linndale, OH3468118.5%
      Kinsman Center, OH6748218.1%
      Highland Hills, OH7828218.0%
      Cleveland, OH391,3408118.9%
      Lakewood, OH51,262946.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      North Bethesda, MD51,23816262.1%
      Mishawaka, IN51,2308712.5%
      Plainfield, NJ51,29512221.5%
      Enid, OK51,3018811.9%
      Poway, CA51,31117978.8%
      Lakewood, OH51,262946.2%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.