Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Cleveland is 18% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $61,557 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $300,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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