Cost of Living in Lorain, OH
Population 65,207 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Lorain run well below national norms — a median of $45,799 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $124,000). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Lorain is about 25 miles west of Cleveland, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 31% higher than Cleveland's $94,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lorain
The median home value in Lorain is $123,500 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $839/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,799/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Ohio's top state income tax rate is 3.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.2%. The climate averages highs of 59.2°F and lows of 41.2°F. Overall, Lorain has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 34 | 36 | 45 | 59 | 70 | 79 | 82 | 80 | 75 | 63 | 49 | 39 |
| Low °F | 20 | 21 | 29 | 39 | 49 | 59 | 62 | 60 | 53 | 43 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 2.11 | 1.66 | 2.48 | 3.28 | 3.64 | 3.87 | 3.56 | 3.63 | 3.74 | 3.50 | 2.96 | 2.29 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lorain, OH?
Lorain has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lorain, OH?
The median gross rent in Lorain is $839 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lorain?
The median home value in Lorain is $123,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lorain?
The median household income in Lorain is $45,799 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lorain, OH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lorain is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.
Is Lorain, OH affordable?
Yes, Lorain is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lorain?
Lorain has average high temperatures of 59.2°F and average lows of 41.2°F. Annual precipitation is 36.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lorain at a Glance
- Population
- 65,207
- Median Income
- $45,799
- Home Value
- $123,500
- Median Rent
- $839/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.2%
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Ohio Rankings
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