Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Cleveland is 57% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$894/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 91%
$39,187/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 77%
$94,100 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 293%
$866/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 92%
367,523
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $815/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $9,780/year.

Median household income is $30,074/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Cleveland or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $815/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $30,074/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Florida?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cleveland details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

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