Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Cleveland is 19% more affordable than Springfield. A $75,000 salary in Springfield is equivalent to $60,981 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 · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cleveland scores 99 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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