Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Cleveland is 43% more affordable than Seattle. A $75,000 salary in Seattle is equivalent to $42,928 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 · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Seattle sits at 224 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $750,000 in Seattle, a difference of $650,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $2,300 in Seattle.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cleveland scores 99 while Seattle scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Seattle (109).
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $97,185 in Seattle. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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