Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Cleveland is 19% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $60,417 in Cleveland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Ohio salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Cleveland sits at 59 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $100,000 in Cleveland, a difference of $260,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $900 in Cleveland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Cleveland scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Cleveland (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $32,053 in Cleveland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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