Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Cleveland, OH (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Houston is 73% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,313/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 32%
$62,894/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 38%
$253,400 ↑ 169%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 63%
$1,316/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 34%
2,300,419
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $23,707/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Houston or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Cleveland?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Cleveland?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $23,707/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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