Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Cleveland is 19% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $60,981 in Cleveland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Ohio salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Cleveland sits at 59 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $100,000 in Cleveland, a difference of $250,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $900 in Cleveland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Atlanta scores 104 while Cleveland scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than Cleveland (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $32,053 in Cleveland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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