Austin vs Cleveland: cost of living compared
Cleveland is 31% cheaper than Austin overall. Austin (TX) has no state income tax; OH tops out around 3.5%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving between Austin and Cleveland presents a substantial shift in financial outlay. Austin's overall cost of living is noticeably higher than the national average, while Cleveland offers a significantly more affordable experience. The primary factor driving this considerable difference is housing, which stands out as much more expensive in Austin, making it the biggest contributor to the overall disparity in expenses between these two cities.
Housing
Housing costs represent a major divergence between these two metros. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are considerably higher in Austin compared to Cleveland. Austin's housing market reflects its rapid growth, often featuring newer construction and a competitive environment. Cleveland, in contrast, offers a more accessible housing market with older, established neighborhoods and a wider range of price points for both renters and buyers.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also vary significantly. Austin residents will find transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities generally cost more than in Cleveland. Additionally, Ohio has a state income tax, which is an extra consideration for Cleveland residents, whereas Texas does not levy a state income tax. This difference impacts take-home pay and overall daily spending power, making everyday life noticeably more expensive in Austin.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the lifestyle experience differs. Austin is known for its warm climate, with hot summers and mild winters, and a generally faster pace. Public transportation options exist, but many residents rely on personal vehicles, leading to longer average commutes. Cleveland experiences four distinct seasons, including cold, snowy winters. It offers a more established urban footprint with a mix of public transit and car-dependent living, and a slightly shorter average commute.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Austin demands a substantially larger budget across nearly all categories, particularly for housing. Cleveland offers a much more budget-friendly environment, allowing for greater financial flexibility or a higher standard of living on a comparable income. The decision hinges on prioritizing a lower cost of living versus the specific amenities and climate offered by each metropolitan area.
| Measure | Austin, TX | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 82 |
| Housing index | 132 | 57 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 91 |
| Food index | 102 | 90 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 98 |
| Misc index | 102 | 82 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $188,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $950/mo |
| Average commute | 30 min | 26 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Cleveland home with the True Cost Calculator.