Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Cleveland is 13% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to $65,250 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. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Cleveland sits at 59 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $100,000 in Cleveland, a difference of $230,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $900 in Cleveland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Cleveland scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Cleveland (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $32,053 in Cleveland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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