Cleveland vs Pittsburgh: cost of living compared
Pittsburgh is 7% 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
Overall, Cleveland offers a noticeably lower cost of living compared to Pittsburgh. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are significantly more affordable in Cleveland. While other categories like transportation, food, and healthcare also show Cleveland as less expensive, the gap in housing costs is the most substantial factor contributing to the overall budget advantage.
Housing
Both buying and renting are more budget-friendly in Cleveland. Median home prices are considerably lower, and typical one-bedroom rents are also less expensive. Both metros feature a mix of older housing stock, including brick homes and multi-family dwellings, common in Rust Belt cities. Property taxes and insurance costs can vary, but the initial purchase price and monthly rent represent a clear saving in Cleveland.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses generally favor Cleveland. Transportation costs are somewhat lower, and the average commute is slightly shorter. Food and healthcare expenses are also more affordable in Cleveland. Utilities are roughly similar, though Pittsburgh's are slightly above the national average. State income tax is a consideration, with Pennsylvania's rate being a bit lower than Ohio's top marginal rate.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both cities experience four distinct seasons, including cold winters with snow, given their Great Lakes region proximity. Pittsburgh is known for its hilly terrain and numerous bridges, which can influence local travel, while Cleveland is flatter near Lake Erie. Both offer cultural attractions and a strong sense of community. The pace of life in both metros is generally considered more relaxed than larger coastal cities.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between these two cities, Cleveland generally presents a more economical option across the board. The most significant savings would likely be realized in housing, whether through homeownership or renting. While Pittsburgh offers a slightly lower state income tax, the broader spectrum of daily and essential costs leans towards Cleveland providing a more budget-friendly environment.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 88 |
| Housing index | 57 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 91 | 98 |
| Food index | 90 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 102 |
| Misc index | 82 | 88 |
| Median home price | $188,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $950/mo | $1,050/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 Pittsburgh home with the True Cost Calculator.