Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Cleveland, OH (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Columbus is 63% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,224/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 27%
$65,327/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 40%
$234,500 ↑ 149%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 60%
$1,243/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 30%
906,480
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $26,140/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Columbus or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Cleveland?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Cleveland?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $26,140/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Ohio?
Both cities are in Ohio and share the same state tax rates: 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with rent of $894/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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