Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Cleveland is 3% more affordable than St. Louis. A $75,000 salary in St. Louis is equivalent to $72,500 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 · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are higher than St. Louis (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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