Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Cleveland is 49% cheaper than Newark.

$894/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↑ 49%
$39,187/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↑ 24%
$94,100 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$337,800 ↑ 259%
$866/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↑ 64%
367,523
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $436/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $5,232/year.

Median household income is $9,229/year higher in Newark. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Newark — common questions

Is Cleveland or Newark 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 Cleveland and Newark?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $436/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Newark?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $9,229/year higher in Newark.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New Jersey?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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