Cleveland vs Houston
Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data
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Houston is 12% more expensive than Cleveland overall.Cleveland has a cost of living index of 85 vs Houston at 95 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing — Houston costs 40% less.

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Cleveland
OH
85
COLI index
VS
Houston
TX
95
COLI index
Category Breakdown
| Category | Cleveland | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 85 | 95 | +12% |
| Housing | 75 | 105 | +40% |
| Groceries | 100 | 103 | +3% |
| Transport | 99 | 104 | +5% |
| Healthcare | 101 | 101 | Same |
| Utilities | 108 | 112 | +4% |
Median 1BR Rent
Cleveland
$975/mo
Houston
$1,350/mo
Median Home Price
Cleveland
$130,000
Houston
$265,000
Median Household Income
Cleveland
$34,981
Houston
$56,019
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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.