Boston vs Cleveland
Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data
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Cleveland is 48% cheaper than Boston overall.Boston has a cost of living index of 162 vs Cleveland at 85 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing — Boston costs 73% more.

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Boston
MA
162
COLI index
VS
Cleveland
OH
85
COLI index
Category Breakdown
| Category | Boston | Cleveland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 162 | 85 | -48% |
| Housing | 280 | 75 | -73% |
| Groceries | 112 | 100 | -11% |
| Transport | 113 | 99 | -12% |
| Healthcare | 112 | 101 | -10% |
| Utilities | 140 | 108 | -23% |
Median 1BR Rent
Boston
$2,900/mo
Cleveland
$975/mo
Median Home Price
Boston
$720,000
Cleveland
$130,000
Median Household Income
Boston
$81,744
Cleveland
$34,981
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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.