Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Cleveland, OH (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Chicago is 96% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,380/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 35%
$75,134/yr ↑ 92%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 48%
$315,200 ↑ 235%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 70%
$1,502/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 42%
2,707,648
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $486/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $5,832/year.

Median household income is $35,947/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Chicago or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Cleveland?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $486/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Cleveland?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $35,947/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Ohio?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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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