Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
55% cheaper
Cleveland is 55% more affordable than Brooklyn. A $75,000 salary in Brooklyn is equivalent to $33,462 in Cleveland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New York salaries · Ohio salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Brooklyn has a housing index of 325 while Cleveland sits at 59 (national average = 100). The median home in Brooklyn costs $780,000 compared to $100,000 in Cleveland, a difference of $680,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,900 in Brooklyn versus $900 in Cleveland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Brooklyn scores 108 while Cleveland scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Brooklyn (108) are higher than Cleveland (96).
Median household income in Brooklyn is $65,294 compared to $32,053 in Cleveland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
Amazon affiliate links