Chicago vs Cleveland: cost of living compared
Cleveland is 31% cheaper than Chicago overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH vs 4.95% in IL.
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 from Chicago to Cleveland generally means a significant reduction in overall living expenses. The cost of living in Chicago is considerably higher than the national average, while Cleveland offers a much more affordable environment. This difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which show a substantial gap between the two cities, making Cleveland a far more budget-friendly option.
Housing
Housing in Cleveland is noticeably more affordable, whether you are looking to buy or rent. Median home prices are considerably lower, and typical rental costs for a one-bedroom apartment are also much less expensive than in Chicago. Both cities offer a mix of housing types, from urban apartments to single-family homes, but the financial commitment for ownership or tenancy is substantially less in Cleveland.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses such as transportation, food, and healthcare are also more economical in Cleveland. Utilities are roughly similar, but the combined effect of lower costs in other categories means daily spending will generally be less. Additionally, Ohio's state income tax rate is somewhat lower than Illinois's, contributing to a more favorable financial picture for residents in Cleveland.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Residents will notice differences in climate and urban density. Both cities experience distinct seasons, including cold winters, but Chicago is a larger, more densely populated metropolis with extensive public transit options. Cleveland, while still a major city, offers a somewhat more relaxed pace and a shorter average commute time, though public transportation is also available. Both are situated on Great Lakes, offering similar waterfront access.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Cleveland offers a much lower cost of living across nearly all categories compared to Chicago. This means a household budget will stretch considerably further in Cleveland, potentially allowing for greater savings or a different quality of life, while Chicago demands a significantly higher financial commitment for similar amenities and services.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 82 |
| Housing index | 97 | 57 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 91 |
| Food index | 105 | 90 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 98 |
| Misc index | 108 | 82 |
| Median home price | $318,000 | $188,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $950/mo |
| Average commute | 34 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.