Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Cleveland is 13% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $65,250 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $250,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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