Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Cleveland is 12% more affordable than Mesa. A $75,000 salary in Mesa is equivalent to $65,909 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $250,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Mesa scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are higher than Mesa (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
Amazon affiliate links