Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Cleveland is 6% more affordable than Tucson. A $75,000 salary in Tucson is equivalent to $70,161 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 Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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