Cleveland vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 7% more expensive than Cleveland overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH vs 4.95% in MO.
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 presents a more budget-friendly option compared to St. Louis. The most significant difference in cost of living stems from housing, which is noticeably cheaper in Cleveland. While other categories like transportation, food, and healthcare also contribute to Cleveland's lower overall expenses, housing stands out as the primary factor driving the cost disparity between these two Midwestern cities. For those prioritizing affordability, Cleveland generally offers a more economical lifestyle.
Housing
Both buying and renting are more affordable in Cleveland. Median home prices are lower, and median one-bedroom rents are also less expensive there. Both metros feature a mix of older, established housing stock and some newer developments. While specific property taxes and insurance costs vary, the initial outlay for housing, whether purchasing or leasing, is generally less demanding in Cleveland, providing a substantial financial advantage for residents.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show a difference between the two cities. St. Louis has a higher state income tax rate, which impacts take-home pay. Beyond taxes, categories like transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all generally more expensive in St. Louis. This means that routine spending on groceries, medical care, commuting, and household services will typically be lighter on the wallet for residents in Cleveland, affecting the overall monthly budget.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both cities offer distinct Midwestern lifestyles. Cleveland, situated on Lake Erie, experiences colder winters with more lake-effect snow, while St. Louis, further south, has hotter, more humid summers and a greater risk of severe weather like tornadoes. Commute times are roughly similar in both metros. Cleveland's public transit system offers bus and rail options, while St. Louis also has a light rail system. Both are established cities with a mix of urban and suburban environments.
Bottom line
For those considering a move between these two Midwestern hubs, the financial implications are clear. Cleveland consistently offers a more affordable cost of living across most major categories, with housing being the most substantial difference. While St. Louis provides a slightly different climate and urban experience, a household's budget will generally stretch further in Cleveland. This makes Cleveland a more economical choice for individuals and families looking to maximize their financial resources.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 88 |
| Housing index | 57 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 91 | 95 |
| Food index | 90 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 95 |
| Misc index | 82 | 88 |
| Median home price | $188,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $950/mo | $1,050/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 St. Louis home with the True Cost Calculator.