Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
32% cheaper
Cleveland is 32% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento 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 Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $350,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cleveland scores 99 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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