Cost of Living in Cleveland, OH [2025]

Situated on the banks of Lake Erie, we consider Cleveland to be one of the hidden gems of the Midwest. Not only is its downtown undergoing a resurgence, it also boasts award-winning restaurants, pubs, and music venues. Lake Erie itself offers abundant opportunities to connect not just with nature, but also fantastic weekend getaways to places like Put-In-Bay or Cedar Pointe. Living in Cleveland also comes with an affordable price tag for all of the urban amenities it offers.

If you're unsure how to figure out Cleveland's cost of living, don't worry, we did all the research for you. Here's a convenient guide outlining the costs to help you figure out whether or not moving to Cleveland is the right choice for you and your finances.

Cost of Living in Cleveland

What Is the Cost of Living in Cleveland?

The cost of living in Cleveland is 8% less expensive than the average city in our database, with residents spending on average around $4,184 a month to live there.

Let's look at how those costs break down by category.

How Much Is Rent in Cleveland?

As of September 2024, the overall median rent in Cleveland stands at $1,066, which is a bit over 7% higher than last year. For a one-bedroom, median rent is around $870, while two-bedroom apartments run closer to $1,084.

If you're uncertain about a neighborhood, consider a month-to-month apartment before making a long-term 12-month commitment. If it's your first time renting or if you don't have a high credit score, consider no credit check apartments. Lastly, if you prefer to rent from the owner of an apartment and have a more personal relationship with them rather than property managers, consider a for rent by owner apartment.

How Much Are Cleveland Housing Costs?

If you don't plan on renting in Cleveland, then according to the latest census, the median value of houses in the area is $87,400, with most residents spending around $1,122 a month on housing costs including their mortgages.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Cleveland?

When you use the 30% rule, you can get a rough estimate of the salary needed to rent an apartment in Cleveland without breaking the bank. If you're trying to keep costs low, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts or finding a roommate help reduce costs on rent.

• If you are renting an average-priced one-bedroom apartment in Cleveland, your annual salary should be around $34,800 or higher.
• If you are renting an average-priced two-bedroom apartment in Cleveland, your annual salary should be around $43,300 or higher.

Have trouble settling on how much rent you can afford living in Cleveland? Try using a rent calculator.

How Much Are Utilities in Cleveland?

A basic utility bill, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 sq ft apartment, averages $276.15 a month. That's a bit higher than the national average of $253.14. Here's a comparison of Cleveland to other Ohio cities:

|City |Avg Electricity Cost |Avg Gas Cost |Avg Water Cost |Avg Fuel Cost |Avg Total Cost| |Cincinnati, OH |154.87 |58.74 |62.15 |1.36 |277.12| |Cleveland, OH |197.13 |49.64 |28.77 |0.98 |276.52| |Columbus, OH |174.17 |8.77 |88.03 |0.39 |271.35| |Dayton, OH |171.92 |36.32 |59.13 |0.73 |268.10| |Toledo, OH |148.02 |31.16 |32.12 |5.51 |216.81| |Youngstown, OH |111.57 |39.65 |43.81 |3.85 |198.88|

The average utility bill plus Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) will increase the total monthly cost of utilities by approximately $69.44, totaling $261.17 a month. Remember to factor in a utility spike during winter months to stay warm on snowy days.

How Much Is Transportation in Cleveland?

Cleveland is primarily a driving town. Single adults should expect to spend $9,274 on transportation annually. If you are a family of two full-time employed adults and a child, you will pay $15,556 a year to get around town.

Cleveland's public transportation system is another option if you want to reduce your reliance on a car. The RTA also connects the city with rail, bus trolley, and Park & Ride opportunities. One-way cash fares start at $2.50, with pre-paid options available for $95 per month. The Cleveland Metroparks system also offers extensive paths for biking, jogging, and taking a stroll.

How Much Are Food Costs in Cleveland?

According to the MIT estimates, a single full-time employed adult living in Cleveland that cooks their meals (including snacks) will spend approximately $3,423 per year on food. A family of four with two working adults and two children will spend $10,068.

Cleveland is known for its "foodie-friendliness" and authentic Pierogies, Polish Boys, and paczki introduced by its long-standing generations of Eastern European immigrants. To make the most of Cleveland's food scene, expect to spend $13 for an inexpensive meal without appetizers and alcohol. Having dinner for two people at a mid-range restaurant will cost you $75 on average, not including tip.

How Much Are Healthcare Costs in Cleveland?

Healthcare will also take up a significant portion of your budget in Cleveland. MIT uses data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to determine the typical health expenditure for a single full-time working adult in Cleveland is $3,107 per year. A family of two adults and two children will increase up to $8,555 per year.

Fitness and Entertainment in Cleveland

If you enjoy staying fit, prepare to shell out another $34.45 on monthly gym membership fees in Cleveland. You can also save by looking for an apartment complex with an on-site fitness center or making the most of the city's Metro Parks trails. If your preferred type of entertainment is going to the movies, it will cost you about $12 per ticket without concession stand snacks.

Other Expenses to Consider in Cleveland

Although Cleveland ranks as one of the least expensive cities in the country to live in, grocery costs tend to be higher than you might expect. Costs rank at 94 out of the national average of 100. Of course, you can save at discount grocers like Aldi's or the bodegas and delis around Cleveland.

Ready to Move to Cleveland?

You've got plenty of info to figure out Cleveland's cost of living and begin your apartment hunt. Start your next Cleveland apartment search today with this quiz! If you're looking to save even more on rent, check out our round-up of cheap apartments in Cleveland.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Cleveland

How Far Is Cleveland from Chicago?

Cleveland is 344.2 miles away from Chicago. It takes 5 hours and 24 minutes to get to Chicago from Cleveland by car, 31 hours by bike, and 110 hours by foot.

What Is the Population of Cleveland?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Cleveland is 367,991. It is the second most populated city in the state of Ohio.

What Is a Good Salary in Cleveland?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Cleveland is $33,678 a year. However, the recommended salary in Cleveland is only $24,600. This total reflects the 30% rule of only spending 30% or less of your income on rent. This salary should allow a renter to live comfortably and afford to cover the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment which sits at $615.