Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Cleveland is 9% more affordable than Houston. A $75,000 salary in Houston is equivalent to $67,969 in Cleveland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Houston sits at 89 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $250,000 in Houston, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,400 in Houston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cleveland scores 99 while Houston scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) match Houston (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $52,338 in Houston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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