Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
47% cheaper
Cleveland is 47% more affordable than Oakland. A $75,000 salary in Oakland is equivalent to $39,545 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 Oakland sits at 264 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $780,000 in Oakland, a difference of $680,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $2,700 in Oakland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cleveland scores 99 while Oakland scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Oakland (113).
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $73,692 in Oakland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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