Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Cleveland is 8% more affordable than Greenville. A $75,000 salary in Greenville is equivalent to $68,684 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 · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Greenville sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $250,000 in Greenville, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,200 in Greenville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Greenville scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Greenville (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $48,912 in Greenville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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