Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Cleveland is 64% cheaper than Lakewood.

$894/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 95%
$39,187/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 119%
$94,100 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 483%
$866/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 100%
367,523
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $852/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $10,224/year.

Median household income is $46,602/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Cleveland or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Lakewood?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $852/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Lakewood?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $46,602/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Colorado?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cleveland details → View Lakewood details →

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