Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
46% cheaper
Cleveland is 46% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $40,781 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 San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $700,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cleveland scores 99 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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