Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Cleveland is 57% cheaper than Tempe.

$894/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 82%
$39,187/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 98%
$94,100 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 348%
$866/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 79%
367,523
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $729/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $8,748/year.

Median household income is $38,456/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Tempe — common questions

Is Cleveland or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Tempe?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $729/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Tempe?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $38,456/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Arizona?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cleveland details → View Tempe details →

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