Cleveland vs Raleigh: cost of living compared
Raleigh is 22% more expensive than Cleveland overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH vs 4.5% in NC.
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 Raleigh presents a significant shift in overall cost of living. Cleveland is noticeably more affordable across the board, with its expenses well below the national average. Raleigh, in contrast, aligns closely with the national average for overall costs. The primary factor driving this substantial difference between the two metros is housing, which is considerably more expensive in Raleigh than in Cleveland, impacting both homeownership and rental markets.
Housing
Housing costs represent the largest divergence between these two cities. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are substantially more expensive in Raleigh. Cleveland offers a much more accessible housing market, with median home prices and typical rents being considerably lower. While property taxes and insurance costs vary, the initial investment for housing, whether purchasing or renting, is a much larger commitment in Raleigh compared to Cleveland, where more historic homes are common.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses also differ. Cleveland generally offers lower costs for groceries, healthcare, and transportation compared to Raleigh. Utility costs are roughly similar in both metros. Regarding state income tax, North Carolina's top marginal rate is somewhat higher than Ohio's, which can impact take-home pay. Commute times are quite similar, suggesting comparable daily travel experiences, though Cleveland's public transit options are more established.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences extend beyond price. Cleveland experiences four distinct seasons, including cold, snowy winters, and is known for its Great Lakes proximity and industrial heritage. Raleigh, located in the Southeast, enjoys milder winters and a longer warm season, characteristic of its humid subtropical climate. Raleigh is a growing tech and research hub, while Cleveland has a rich history and cultural institutions. Both cities offer a mix of urban and suburban environments, but Raleigh's growth has led to a more modern feel in many areas.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: a budget will stretch considerably further in Cleveland than in Raleigh. The most impactful difference will be in housing, where Cleveland offers substantial savings for both renters and homeowners. While some daily expenses like groceries and healthcare are also lower in Cleveland, the housing market is the primary determinant of the overall cost disparity, making Cleveland the more budget-friendly option.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 100 |
| Housing index | 57 | 106 |
| Transportation index | 91 | 97 |
| Food index | 90 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 98 |
| Misc index | 82 | 90 |
| Median home price | $188,000 | $388,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $950/mo | $1,500/mo |
| Average commute | 26 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Raleigh home with the True Cost Calculator.