Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Cleveland is 33% cheaper than Pittsburgh.

$894/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 37%
$39,187/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↑ 64%
$94,100 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$193,200 ↑ 105%
$866/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↑ 31%
367,523
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $327/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $3,924/year.

Median household income is $24,950/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Cleveland or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $327/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $24,950/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Pennsylvania?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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