Cleveland vs San Antonio: cost of living compared
San Antonio is 7% more expensive than Cleveland overall. San Antonio (TX) has no state income tax; OH tops out around 3.5%.
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 San Antonio reveals a noticeable difference in overall cost of living. Cleveland generally offers a more budget-friendly environment, primarily driven by its significantly lower housing expenses. While some categories show similar costs or slight variations, the substantial gap in housing prices creates a distinct advantage for Cleveland when considering overall household spending and financial flexibility.
Housing
Housing costs present the most significant difference between these two metros. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more affordable in Cleveland. San Antonio's housing market demands higher prices for both median home purchases and typical one-bedroom rentals. Property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, influencing the total cost of homeownership in each location, with Texas generally having higher property tax rates.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show variations. Cleveland has a state income tax, which San Antonio does not, impacting take-home pay. Transportation costs are somewhat lower in Cleveland, while San Antonio offers slightly more affordable food. Healthcare expenses are roughly comparable in both cities. Utilities are a bit less expensive in Cleveland, contributing to its overall lower cost profile for routine household operations.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. Cleveland experiences distinct four seasons with colder winters and snow, while San Antonio has a warmer, more humid climate year-round. San Antonio's urban landscape often features a blend of historic architecture and modern development, with a generally car-dependent transportation network. Cleveland, situated on a Great Lake, offers a different natural setting and a more established public transit system in its core.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial impact is clear: Cleveland generally offers a more economical living experience, largely due to its much lower housing costs. While San Antonio benefits from no state income tax and slightly cheaper food, these savings are often outweighed by its higher housing expenses. A move to Cleveland could mean a noticeable reduction in overall monthly expenditures, particularly for housing, while San Antonio might require a larger budget for the same standard of living.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 88 |
| Housing index | 57 | 71 |
| Transportation index | 91 | 95 |
| Food index | 90 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 102 |
| Misc index | 82 | 85 |
| Median home price | $188,000 | $248,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $950/mo | $1,100/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 San Antonio home with the True Cost Calculator.