Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Cleveland, OH (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Denver is 188% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,770/mo ↑ 98%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 49%
$91,681/yr ↑ 134%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 57%
$586,700 ↑ 523%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 84%
$1,839/mo ↑ 112%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 53%
713,734
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
3.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $876/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $10,512/year.

Median household income is $52,494/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cleveland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Denver or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Cleveland?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $876/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Cleveland?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $52,494/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Ohio?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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.
View Denver details → View Cleveland details →

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