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Baltimore vs Cleveland

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Cleveland is 21% cheaper than Baltimore overall.Baltimore has a cost of living index of 107 vs Cleveland at 85 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Baltimore costs 46% more.

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Baltimore
MD
107
COLI index
VS
Cleveland
OH
85
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryBaltimoreClevelandDifference
Overall COLI10785-21%
Housing13875-46%
Groceries105100-5%
Transport10799-7%
Healthcare104101-3%
Utilities115108-6%

Median 1BR Rent

Baltimore
$1,550/mo
Cleveland
$975/mo

Median Home Price

Baltimore
$195,000
Cleveland
$130,000

Median Household Income

Baltimore
$55,198
Cleveland
$34,981

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland is cheaper to live in overall. Baltimore has a cost of living index of 107 while Cleveland has an index of 85, where 100 represents the US national average. Cleveland is 21% cheaper than Baltimore overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore is $1,550 per month compared to $975 in Cleveland. The median home price in Baltimore is $195,000 versus $130,000 in Cleveland. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Baltimore has a cost of living index of 107 and Cleveland has an index of 85, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Baltimore, multiply by 0.79. For example a $75,000 salary in Baltimore is equivalent to approximately $59,579 in Cleveland.

Baltimore has a median household income of $55,198 per year versus $34,981 in Cleveland. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Baltimore to Cleveland is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Cleveland is 21% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.