Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
51% cheaper
Cleveland is 51% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $36,657 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 Irvine sits at 294 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $1,050,000 in Irvine, a difference of $950,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $3,000 in Irvine.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cleveland scores 99 while Irvine scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Irvine (109).
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $108,038 in Irvine. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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