Is Cleveland, OH cheaper than Detroit, MI?

Based on cost of living data, Cleveland, OH is 6.8% cheaper than Detroit, MI. This translates to saving $511 per month.

What salary do I need in Cleveland, OH to live like I do in Detroit, MI?

If you earn $150,000 in Detroit, MI, you'd need approximately $143,863.636 in Cleveland, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Detroit, MI and Cleveland, OH?

Housing in Cleveland, OH is 6.7% more expensive than in Detroit, MI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,180/month in Cleveland, OH compared to $1,225/month in Detroit, MI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Detroit, MI to Cleveland, OH?

Moving from Detroit, MI to Cleveland, OH could save you approximately $511 per month, or $6136 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Detroit, MI vs Cleveland, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Detroit, MI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $511/month moving to Cleveland, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.9K in Cleveland, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$511

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Detroit, MI

Population:639K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$86K

Cleveland, OH

Population:384K

Cost Index:

(7% below avg)

Median Home:$128K

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 639K residents.

Cleveland, OH

The Buckeye State

384K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 384K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Detroit, MI vs Cleveland, OH

Category	Detroit, MI	Cleveland, OH	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $205less	13.0%
Other	$1,674/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $117less	7.0%
Housing	$1,559/mo	$1,663/mo	↑ $104more	6.7%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$464/mo	↓ $92.89less	16.7%
Healthcare	$564/mo	$527/mo	↓ $37.17less	6.6%
Groceries	$949/mo	$969/mo	↑ $19.99more	2.1%

Transportation

↓ 13.0%

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Cleveland, OH

$1,366

Difference

$205

less

Other

↓ 7.0%

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Cleveland, OH

$1,557

Difference

$117

less

Housing

↑ 6.7%

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Cleveland, OH

$1,663

Difference

$104

All Utilities

↓ 16.7%

Detroit, MI

$557

Cleveland, OH

$464

Difference

$92.89

less

Healthcare

↓ 6.6%

Detroit, MI

$564

Cleveland, OH

$527

Difference

$37.17

less

Groceries

↑ 2.1%

Detroit, MI

$949

Cleveland, OH

$969

Difference

$19.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Detroit, MI: Detroit City Income Tax$3,600/yr (2.4%)

Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Net difference+$150/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$875

To$860

↓ $15.00

1 Bed

From$975

To$980

↑ $5.00

2 Bed

From$1,225

To$1,180

↓ $45.00

3 Bed

From$1,495

To$1,520

↑ $25.00

Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,690/mo

Cleveland, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,590/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,875

Monthly in Detroit, MI

$6,546

Monthly in Cleveland, OH

$328

Difference

Home Values

Detroit

Cleveland

$86K

Median Value

$128K

↓ -3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +15.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +21.7%

$48K - $415K

Price Range

$59K - $291K

Homes in Cleveland are 50% more expensive than Detroit

Calculate payment - Detroit Calculate payment - Cleveland

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$162

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

Rate difference

Detroit, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

Cleveland, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

Cleveland, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Detroit

Cleveland

55 Moderate

Air Quality

54 Moderate

32.8%

Good Air Days

37.2%

99 High

Climate Risk

98 High

🌊🌡🌪

Top Hazards

🌊🌡🌪

▲+3.1°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.3°F

10 days

Heat Days >95°F

11 days

▲+3.1°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.3°F

10 days

Heat Days >95°F

11 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Michigan and Ohio on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Detroit, MI on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Cleveland, OH

Other cities in a similar price range

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Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison

You'd save $511/month moving to Cleveland, OH

Detroit, MI

Cleveland, OH

Detroit, MI

Cleveland, OH

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

🏠Rent Comparison

📍 Rent by ZIP Code26 ZIPs

📍 Rent by ZIP Code17 ZIPs

Home Values

🏠 Home Values by ZIP25 ZIPs

🏠 Home Values by ZIP17 ZIPs

Tax Comparison

Detroit, MI

Cleveland, OH

Additional Tax Information

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Cleveland, OH Tax Rates

Environment

Where your money goes further

Similar cost to Cleveland, OH