Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Cleveland is 60% cheaper than Tacoma.

$894/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 79%
$39,187/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 114%
$94,100 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 383%
$866/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 102%
367,523
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $703/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $8,436/year.

Median household income is $44,670/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Cleveland or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Tacoma?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $703/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Tacoma?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $44,670/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Washington?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cleveland details → View Tacoma details →

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