Cleveland vs Columbus: Cost of Living Compared (2026)

Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration

Cleveland vs Columbus cost comparison with difference bars
MetricClevelandColumbusDifference
Rent (1BR)$752$1,118
-39%
Median household income$40,801$66,082
-47%
Grocery cost index93.793.7
Utilities (monthly)$173$173

Salary equivalent between cities

Equivalent salary needed
$86,231
Difference
$6,231