Cleveland vs Los Angeles: cost of living compared
Los Angeles is 113% more expensive than Cleveland overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH vs 9.3% in CA.
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 Cleveland and Los Angeles presents a stark contrast in overall cost of living. Cleveland is noticeably more affordable across the board, with its expenses falling well below the national average. Los Angeles, conversely, is significantly more expensive than the national average. This considerable difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are dramatically higher in Los Angeles, but other categories also contribute to the gap.
Housing
Housing represents the most substantial cost difference. Whether buying a home or renting an apartment, prices in Los Angeles are several times higher than in Cleveland. The typical housing stock in Cleveland often includes older, more traditional homes, while Los Angeles features a mix from sprawling suburban developments to dense urban living. Beyond the mortgage or rent, property taxes and insurance costs can also vary significantly between the two states.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show a clear divergence. State income taxes are considerably higher in California than in Ohio, impacting take-home pay. Transportation costs, including fuel and vehicle maintenance, are notably higher in Los Angeles, and average commute times are longer. Groceries, healthcare services, and utility bills are also more expensive in Los Angeles, making everyday spending a much larger consideration.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are pronounced. Cleveland experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters with snow, while Los Angeles enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine. Getting around in Cleveland often relies on personal vehicles, with less traffic congestion. Los Angeles is known for its extensive freeway system and significant traffic, though public transit options are available in some areas. The pace of life and population density also differ considerably.
Bottom line
A move from Cleveland to Los Angeles would necessitate a substantial increase in income to maintain a similar standard of living, primarily due to the dramatically higher housing costs. Conversely, relocating from Los Angeles to Cleveland would free up a significant portion of a household budget, allowing for greater savings or discretionary spending. The financial implications are profound, impacting nearly every aspect of personal finance.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 175 |
| Housing index | 57 | 201 |
| Transportation index | 91 | 129 |
| Food index | 90 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 118 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 128 |
| Misc index | 82 | 118 |
| Median home price | $188,000 | $795,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $950/mo | $2,400/mo |
| Average commute | 26 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Los Angeles home with the True Cost Calculator.