Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
32% cheaper
Cleveland is 32% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $50,977 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $400,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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