Cleveland vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 32% more expensive than Cleveland overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH vs 4.65% in UT.
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, the cost of living in Cleveland is noticeably lower than in Salt Lake City. This difference is substantial, making Cleveland a significantly more budget-friendly option. The primary factor driving this considerable gap in expenses is housing, which is far more affordable in Cleveland. Other categories like food, healthcare, and utilities also contribute to Cleveland's lower overall cost, though transportation costs are roughly similar between the two metros.
Housing
Housing costs present the most dramatic difference between these two cities. Both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment are considerably higher in Salt Lake City. Cleveland offers a much more accessible housing market, whether you're looking to buy or rent. While both cities feature a mix of housing styles, Cleveland's housing stock often includes more established, older homes, while Salt Lake City has seen more recent development, potentially impacting property taxes and insurance costs differently.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also vary, though less dramatically than housing. Food, healthcare, and utilities are generally more affordable in Cleveland. Transportation costs, including fuel and vehicle maintenance, are quite comparable. Regarding state income taxes, Utah has a slightly higher top marginal rate than Ohio, which could impact take-home pay for some residents. These combined factors mean that day-to-day spending on essentials will typically be lower in Cleveland.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move between these metros brings distinct lifestyle changes. Cleveland experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, including cold, snowy winters. Salt Lake City has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters, often with more sunshine. Cleveland offers a more established urban environment with a network of older infrastructure, while Salt Lake City blends urban amenities with close proximity to mountainous outdoor recreation. Commute times are quite similar in both cities.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Cleveland offers a much more affordable cost of living, primarily due to significantly lower housing expenses. While some daily costs like transportation are comparable, and state income tax rates differ modestly, the substantial savings on housing in Cleveland mean a household budget will stretch considerably further there. Salt Lake City, while offering a different climate and access to outdoor activities, comes with a notably higher price tag for overall living.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 108 |
| Housing index | 57 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 91 | 89 |
| Food index | 90 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 95 |
| Misc index | 82 | 95 |
| Median home price | $188,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $950/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 26 min | 24 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Salt Lake City home with the True Cost Calculator.