Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Cleveland is 7% more affordable than Rochester. A $75,000 salary in Rochester is equivalent to $69,415 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 · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $55,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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