Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Cleveland, OH (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Phoenix is 114% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,458/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 39%
$77,041/yr ↑ 97%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 49%
$381,900 ↑ 306%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 75%
$1,430/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 39%
1,624,832
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $564/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $6,768/year.

Median household income is $37,854/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Phoenix or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Cleveland?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $564/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Cleveland?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $37,854/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Ohio?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Cleveland details →

More Comparisons

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