Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Cleveland, OH (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Austin is 163% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,655/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 46%
$91,461/yr ↑ 133%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 57%
$512,700 ↑ 445%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 82%
$1,747/mo ↑ 102%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 50%
967,862
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $761/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $9,132/year.

Median household income is $52,274/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Austin or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Cleveland?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $761/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Cleveland?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $52,274/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with rent of $894/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Cleveland details →

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