Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
30% cheaper
Cleveland is 30% more affordable than Worcester. A $75,000 salary in Worcester is equivalent to $52,200 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 Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cleveland scores 99 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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