Cleveland vs Denver: cost of living compared
Denver is 56% more expensive than Cleveland overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH vs 4.4% in CO.
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
Cleveland offers a significantly lower overall cost of living compared to Denver. The data indicates that daily expenses for goods and services are generally more affordable in Cleveland. This substantial difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are much higher in Denver, making it a considerably more expensive place to reside overall.
Housing
Both buying and renting are substantially more expensive in Denver. Median home prices show a very large gap, with Cleveland homes being much more affordable. Similarly, a typical one-bedroom rental commands a significantly higher monthly cost in Denver. Cleveland's housing stock often includes more traditional, older homes, while Denver has seen considerable new development alongside its existing properties.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, and healthcare are noticeably higher in Denver, while utilities are roughly similar in both metros. State income tax is also slightly higher in Denver. This means that routine spending on groceries, getting around, and medical care will generally require a larger portion of one's budget in Denver compared to Cleveland.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Cleveland experiences a Great Lakes climate with distinct seasons, including cold, snowy winters. Denver, situated in a high-altitude desert, also has four seasons, often with abundant sunshine, but can experience significant snow and cold. Average commute times are quite similar. Denver generally has a more active, outdoor-oriented culture due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains.
Bottom line
Moving from Cleveland to Denver would mean a considerable increase in household expenses, primarily due to the much higher cost of housing. While some daily costs are similar, the overall financial impact would be substantial. Conversely, a move to Cleveland would likely free up a significant portion of a household budget, offering greater financial flexibility.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 128 |
| Housing index | 57 | 146 |
| Transportation index | 91 | 104 |
| Food index | 90 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 98 |
| Misc index | 82 | 108 |
| Median home price | $188,000 | $548,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $950/mo | $1,950/mo |
| Average commute | 26 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Denver home with the True Cost Calculator.