Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Cleveland, OH (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Los Angeles is 267% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,879/mo ↑ 110%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 52%
$80,366/yr ↑ 105%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 51%
$879,500 ↑ 835%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 89%
$2,055/mo ↑ 137%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 58%
3,857,897
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $985/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $11,820/year.

Median household income is $41,179/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Cleveland?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $985/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Cleveland?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $41,179/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Cleveland details →

More Comparisons

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