Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Cleveland, OH (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Boston is 245% more expensive than Cleveland.

$2,093/mo ↑ 134%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 57%
$94,755/yr ↑ 142%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 59%
$710,400 ↑ 655%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 87%
$2,176/mo ↑ 151%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 60%
663,972
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,199/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $14,388/year.

Median household income is $55,568/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cleveland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Boston or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Cleveland?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $1,199/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Cleveland?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $55,568/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Ohio?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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