Cost of Living in Cleveland, OH
Population 367,523 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Cleveland run well below national norms — a median of $39,187 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $94,000). A poverty rate near 31% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cleveland
The median home value in Cleveland is $94,100 — 69% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $894/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,187/year is 47% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Ohio's top state income tax rate is 3.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.2%. The climate averages highs of 58.9°F and lows of 45.8°F. Overall, Cleveland has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 35 | 37 | 45 | 57 | 68 | 77 | 81 | 80 | 74 | 63 | 51 | 40 |
| Low °F | 24 | 25 | 31 | 41 | 53 | 63 | 68 | 67 | 60 | 49 | 38 | 30 |
| Precip" | 1.76 | 1.53 | 2.35 | 3.10 | 3.51 | 2.84 | 3.66 | 3.45 | 2.94 | 3.24 | 2.92 | 2.04 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH?
Cleveland has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.
What is average rent in Cleveland, OH?
The median gross rent in Cleveland is $894 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cleveland?
The median home value in Cleveland is $94,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cleveland?
The median household income in Cleveland is $39,187 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cleveland, OH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cleveland is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.
Is Cleveland, OH affordable?
Yes, Cleveland is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Cleveland?
Cleveland has average high temperatures of 58.9°F and average lows of 45.8°F. Annual precipitation is 33.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Cleveland at a Glance
- Population
- 367,523
- Median Income
- $39,187
- Home Value
- $94,100
- Median Rent
- $894/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Ohio Rankings
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