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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Cleveland is 79% cheaper than Cambridge.

$894/mo ↓ 67%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 207%
$39,187/yr ↓ 69%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 223%
$94,100 ↓ 91%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 1006%
$866/mo ↓ 67%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 204%
367,523
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,848/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $22,176/year.

Median household income is $87,282/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Cleveland or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Cambridge?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,848/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Cambridge?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $87,282/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Massachusetts?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cleveland details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cleveland and Cambridge

Cleveland vs. New Orleans Cleveland vs. Honolulu Cleveland vs. Aurora Cleveland vs. Anaheim Cleveland vs. Tampa Cleveland vs. Henderson Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland