Cleveland vs Philadelphia: cost of living compared
Philadelphia is 37% more expensive than Cleveland overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA vs 3.5% in OH.
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
Comparing Cleveland and Philadelphia reveals a significant difference in overall cost of living. Cleveland is noticeably more affordable across the board, with its expenses well below the national average. Philadelphia, in contrast, generally exceeds the national average for most categories. This substantial gap is primarily driven by housing costs, which are dramatically lower in Cleveland, making it a much more budget-friendly option for many households.
Housing
Housing presents the most striking cost difference. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are considerably higher in Philadelphia than in Cleveland. Cleveland offers a more accessible housing market, with a mix of historic homes and newer developments. Philadelphia's housing stock often includes dense rowhouses and apartments, reflecting its long history as a major urban center, and ownership costs beyond the mortgage, such as property taxes, can also be higher.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also vary. State income tax rates are roughly similar, though Philadelphia's is slightly lower. However, transportation costs are notably higher in Philadelphia, reflecting its dense urban environment and potentially greater reliance on public transit or higher parking costs. Food, healthcare, and utilities are all more expensive in Philadelphia, meaning routine spending on essentials will generally be greater there compared to Cleveland.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are apparent. Cleveland experiences distinct four seasons with cold, snowy winters, while Philadelphia has a more temperate climate with hot summers and cold, but often less severe, winters. Philadelphia offers a denser, more walkable urban experience with extensive public transit, while Cleveland has a more spread-out feel, though its downtown is also quite walkable. Commute times are generally longer in Philadelphia.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, the financial implications are clear: Cleveland offers a significantly lower cost of living, primarily due to its much more affordable housing market. While both cities provide distinct urban experiences, a household's budget will stretch considerably further in Cleveland. Philadelphia demands a higher financial commitment for housing and everyday necessities, though it offers a different urban density and historical character.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 112 |
| Housing index | 57 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 91 | 120 |
| Food index | 90 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 105 |
| Misc index | 82 | 102 |
| Median home price | $188,000 | $298,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $950/mo | $1,550/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 Philadelphia home with the True Cost Calculator.