Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Cleveland, OH (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Philadelphia is 67% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,323/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 32%
$60,698/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 35%
$232,400 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 60%
$1,233/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 30%
1,582,432
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $429/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $5,148/year.

Median household income is $21,511/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Cleveland?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $429/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Cleveland?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $21,511/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Ohio?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Cleveland details →

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