Cost of Living in Cleveland, OH [2025]

Are you thinking of moving to Cleveland but not sure what the cost of living is really like? We did the research to make your decision easier. Situated on the banks of Lake Erie, the cost of living in Cleveland is 17% less expensive than the average U.S. city.

Often called one of the Midwest’s hidden gems, Cleveland has reinvented itself with an economy anchored in healthcare, research, and advanced manufacturing. Within the city’s housing mix, Downtown is enjoying a resurgence with new housing, award-winning restaurants, pubs, and live music venues, while Lake Erie offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and weekend getaways to spots like Put-In-Bay or Cedar Point.

What makes Cleveland especially appealing is its affordability. Compared to national averages, housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses are easier on the wallet, giving you big-city amenities without the big-city price tag. Use our cost of living guide to see whether this city is the right fit for your lifestyle and finances.

Cost of Living in Cleveland, OH

What Is the Cost of Living in Cleveland, OH?

The cost of living in Cleveland is 8% less expensive than the average city in our database, with residents spending on average around $4,184 a month to live there.

Let's look at how those costs break down by category.

The cost of living in Cleveland is 17% less expensive than the average U.S. city, with single adults without children spending an average of $2,567 a month to live there, making it a much more affordable place when compared to cities like Miami, Nashville and sister state city Columbus.

Let's see how that breaks down by spending category.

Compared to Columbus, Cleveland is more affordable for major expenses like groceries, healthcare, transportation, and especially housing. Here’s how they compare.

How Much Is Rent in Cleveland, OH?

Cleveland rental housing offers lakeside living with a mix of industrial heritage and revitalized apartments. As of July 2025, the overall average rent in Cleveland stands at $1,875, a 6.7% increase from a year earlier.

| City | Average Overall Rent | Average One-Bedroom | Average Two-Bedroom | | National | $2,102 | $1,757 | $2,194 | | Cleveland | $1,875 | $1,645 | $2,156 |

How Much Is a One-Bedroom Apartment in Cleveland, OH?

If you're planning a move to Cleveland to explore new work opportunities and enjoy life in the Forest City, you’ll spend an average of around $1,645 for a one-bedroom apartment. Our most recent data shows that rents in Cleveland are slightly down month over month and still significantly below the national average rent of $1,757.

How Much Is a Two-Bedroom Apartment in Cleveland, OH?

Our data from July 2025 also shows an increase in rents year over year, with two-bedroom units renting for $2,156, which is still less than the national average of $2,194 for a two-bedroom unit.

Below is a look at how rent prices in Cleveland compare with Cincinnati, Columbus, and the average rent in the U.S.

If you're still looking around and unsure about a neighborhood, consider a month-to-month apartment before committing to a 12-month lease. If it's your first time renting or if you don't have a high credit score, consider no-credit-check apartments. And should you prefer to rent from the owner of an apartment rather than property managers, consider a for-rent-by-owner apartment.

How Much Is Housing in Cleveland, OH?

If you don't plan to rent in Cleveland, the median listing price was $135,000 in August 2025, down 3.6% year over year and 60.1% below the national average of $338,100.

Highest Cost of Living in Cleveland, OH Little Italy is among the most expensive neighborhoods in Cleveland. Here, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,362 a month.

Lowest Cost of Living in Cleveland, OH The average one-bedroom apartment in Woodland Hills goes for $552 a month.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Cleveland, OH?

A good way to decide how much you should spend on monthly rent is to use the 30% rule.

• To comfortably afford an average-priced one-bedroom apartment in Cleveland ($1,645 per month), your annual salary should be around $65,800 or higher.
• To comfortably afford an average-priced two-bedroom apartment in Cleveland ($2,156 per month), your annual salary should be $86,120 or higher.

Capping monthly housing costs at 30% of your gross income is a good rule of thumb for estimating the salary needed to rent an apartment in Cleveland. To keep expenses down, consider neighborhoods on the city’s outskirts, downsizing to a studio, or sharing with a roommate. You can also test your numbers against our rent calculator for a quick gut check.

How Much Are Utilities in Cleveland, OH?

A basic utility bill in Cleveland averages $207.44 a month. This includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915-square-foot apartment. That's a bit less than the national average of $225.58 and more affordable than other Ohio cities.

The average utility bill plus internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) will increase the total monthly cost of utilities by approximately $72.11, totaling $279.55 a month.

In winter, expect to pay a little more to stay warm. For context, OH Energy Ratings ranks Ohio as the eighth-highest-priced state, with a weighted winter-month cost of $160.61.

How Much Is Transportation in Cleveland, OH?

Single adults without children should expect to spend $9,251 annually on car-based transportation. If you are a family of two working adults and two children, you can expect to pay $15,517 per year to get around.

Like most U.S. cities, Cleveland is a driving town with a walk score of 57. However, pockets like Downtown, Ohio City, and Buckeye-Shaker are more walkable than others, with better access to public transportation.

If you want to reduce your reliance on a car, Cleveland's public transportation system, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA), connects the city with rail, bus, trolley, and park-and-ride opportunities. One-way cash fares start at $2.50, with prepaid options available for $95 per month.

The Cleveland Metroparks system also offers extensive paths for biking, jogging, and taking a stroll, with more bike lanes in Ohio City, Tremont, and along the lakefront. For the airport, the Red Line departs to/from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) every 15 minutes.

To enjoy Cleveland, it’s best to have a vehicle of your own so you can explore more freely and make the most of the city's outdoor activities.

How Much Are Food Costs in Cleveland, OH?

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single full-time employed adult can expect to pay $4,930 per year for food. A family of four with two working adults and two children will spend approximately $14,450.

According to Numbeo, here are examples of average food costs in Cleveland:

• Gallon of milk: $3.10
• Loaf of fresh white bread: $2.69
• Rice (1 lb.): $2.22
• Carton of large eggs (one dozen): $4.05
• Local cheese (1 lb.): $5.62
• Chicken fillets (1 lb.): $5.75
• Beef round (1 lb.): $9.44

Cleveland is known for its foodie-friendliness, so expect to spend $18.00 for an inexpensive meal. Having dinner for two people at a midrange restaurant will cost you $60.00 on average, not including tip.

The city is famous for Polish Boy sandwiches (kielbasa sausage in a bun topped with coleslaw, fries, and barbecue sauce) and Lake Erie perch sandwiches, thanks to its Eastern European immigrant heritage.

How Much Are Healthcare Costs in Cleveland, OH?

A single individual without children can budget about $3,510 per year on medical costs. For a family of four with two working adults and two children, the cost rises to $9,515. Cleveland is consistently ranked among the best U.S. cities for healthcare, thanks to hospitals such as the Cleveland Clinic and facilities like the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute.

How Much Is Child Care in Cleveland, OH?

Child care is a significant monthly expense. The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates that child care costs $15,110 for a single child and $28,338 for two annually. While this is not a small sum, it is more affordable than child care in cities like Boston but remains more expensive than in Chicago and Nashville.

For families who are open to exploring alternative solutions—nanny shares, remote work arrangements, babysitting swaps with friends, or alternating shifts with a partner—parents may be able to reduce child care expenses.

Fitness and Entertainment in Cleveland, OH

If you enjoy staying fit, there are more than 300 miles of trails for walking, running, and biking. The Rocky River Reservation and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are popular. Otherwise, prepare to shell out another $31.67 on monthly gym membership fees.

You can also save by renting an apartment complex with fitness and pool amenities, or by making the most of Lake Erie for water-based activities and the Towpath Trail and Lakefront Bikeway for cycling. If your preferred form of entertainment is going to the movies, tickets cost about $12.50 each.

Other Expenses to Consider in Cleveland, OH

Cleveland ranks as one of the least expensive cities in the country to live in, with an overall ranking of 83.0 against the national average of 100.0. However, winter costs like snow tires, heavy clothing, shovels, or higher heating bills in colder months should also be budgeted for.

How Much Are Taxes in Cleveland, OH?

Cleveland has a combined sales tax capped at 8.00%, which breaks down as follows.

• 5.75%: Ohio base sales tax rate.
• 1.25%: Cuyahoga County sales tax rate.
• 1.00%: special sales tax rate.

There’s no city sales tax, and Ohio has a state income tax with rates ranging from 0% to 3.5%, based on income levels.

In Cleveland, prescription drugs, groceries and medical equipment are tax exempt. For homeowners, the effective property tax rate is 2.64%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02% and the Ohio median of 1.80%.

What Is the Job Market Like in Cleveland, OH?

Cleveland’s economy is anchored by the healthcare and research industries, led by the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Sherwin-Williams, Progressive, and the NASA Glenn Research Center.

In August 2025, Cleveland’s unemployment rate was 3.8%, compared to the Ohio rate of 5.0% and the national rate of 4.3%. The metro area’s mean hourly wage was $31.12 as of May 2024, slightly below the national average of $32.66.

While the technology and IT sector remains relatively small, startups in Cleveland’s Health-Tech Corridor are leveraging the city’s hospital and research ecosystem. Growth has been strongest in healthcare and biotechnology, with additional momentum in advanced manufacturing, financial services, and a growing health-tech startup scene.

Ready to Move to Cleveland?

From the city’s mix of affordable housing, world-class healthcare, and a vibrant food and cultural scene along the Lake Erie shoreline, it’s important to weigh every cost before making the move. Now that you have a snapshot of what living in Cleveland will be like, you can begin your apartment hunt with the Apartment List quiz.

To make your transition easier, use the information above as a guide, and turn to Apartment List to find rentals in Cleveland that match your budget and lifestyle so you can secure your dream home. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Cleveland

How Far Is Cleveland from Chicago?

Cleveland is 346 miles from Chicago by car. It takes approximately five hours and 30 minutes to get to Chicago from Cleveland by car and about eight hours by Greyhound bus.

What Is the Population of Cleveland?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Cleveland's population was 372,624 at the 2020 decennial census. It is the second-largest city in Ohio by population.

What Is a Good Salary in Cleveland?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Cleveland is $33,678 a year. However, the recommended salary in Cleveland is only $24,600. This total reflects the 30% rule of only spending 30% or less of your income on rent. This salary should allow a renter to live comfortably and afford to cover the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment which sits at $615.

Is Cleveland Affordable Compared to Other U.S. Cities?

Yes. Cleveland’s overall cost of living is about 17% below the national average, with housing costs the most affordable category.

How Much Does Rent Cost in Cleveland?

As of July 2025, the overall average rent is $1,875. One-bedroom apartments average $1,645, and two-bedrooms average $2,156, both lower than the national averages.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Cleveland?

Using the 30% rule, you’d need to earn about $65,800 annually for a one-bedroom and $86,120 for a two-bedroom apartment.

What’s the Median Home Price in Cleveland?

The median home listing price is $135,000, which is 60% cheaper than the national median of $338,100.

How Much Are Utilities in Cleveland?

Expect to pay about $207 per month for electricity, gas, and water, slightly below the national average. With internet included, monthly utilities total about $280.

How Much Does Transportation Cost in Cleveland?

The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates that car-based transportation averages $9,251 annually for a single adult without children. The RTA public transit system offers monthly passes for $95.

What Are Food Costs Like in Cleveland?

A single adult spends about $4,930 a year on food, while a family of four spends around $14,450. An inexpensive meal costs $18, while dinner for two at a midrange restaurant averages $60.

How Is Healthcare in Cleveland?

Cleveland is home to some of the best hospitals in the world, including the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult can expect to spend about $3,510 annually on healthcare.

What About Child Care Costs in Cleveland?

Child care averages $15,110 per year for one child and $28,338 for two children, making it more affordable than cities like Boston but more expensive than Chicago.

Are There Fitness and Entertainment Options in Cleveland?

Yes. The Metroparks system has over 300 miles of trails, and gym memberships average $32 per month. Movie tickets cost about $12.50.

How Much Are Taxes in Cleveland?

Cleveland sales tax is 8.00% (combined state, county, and special rates). Property taxes are higher than average, with an effective rate of 2.64%.

What Is the Job Market Like in Cleveland?

The job market is anchored in healthcare, research, and advanced manufacturing, with major employers including the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Sherwin-Williams, Progressive, and NASA Glenn Research Center.