Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Cleveland is 19% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno is equivalent to $60,981 in Cleveland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Fresno sits at 111 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $330,000 in Fresno, a difference of $230,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,300 in Fresno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Fresno scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Fresno (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $53,838 in Fresno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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