A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
17%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Cleveland Heights Ohio National
Cost of living9289100
Groceries9797100
Health care9896100
Housing8374100
Transportation9596100
Utilities9396100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9395100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare9693100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Cleveland Heights, OH

Understanding the cost of living in Cleveland Heights can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Cleveland Heights cost of living index is 92, which is 8% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Cleveland Heights aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Cleveland Heights residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Cleveland Heights?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 8 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Cleveland Heights. The results indicated that 63% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 38% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Cleveland Heights Affordable?

Is Cleveland Heights an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Cleveland Heights is 26.1% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 4.1% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Cleveland Heights has a median household income of $89,714, which is 10.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Cleveland Heights?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Cleveland Heights, the groceries index is 3% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Cleveland Heights, healthcare costs are 2.1% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Cleveland Heights cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Cleveland Heights is 3% higher than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Cleveland Heights is 8% lower than the national average
  • Cleveland Heights housing is 17% lower than the national average
  • Ohio general sales tax is 13% higher than the national average
  • Ohio state income tax is 6% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Cleveland Heights

See all the best places to live around Cleveland Heights

Compare Cleveland Heights, OH Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$121,935$10,161$2,845$3,658
      Renters$52,482$4,374$1,224$1,575
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Cleveland Heights, OH, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Cleveland Heights have a median income of $121,935. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,845 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $52,482, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,224.

      Ohio Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Ohio 5.75% 8%

      Ohio Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Ohio 2.76% 3.99%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      East Cleveland, OH17,5638020.2%
      Linndale, OH3468118.5%
      Kinsman Center, OH6748218.1%
      Highland Hills, OH7828218.0%
      Cleveland, OH391,3408118.9%
      Cleveland Heights, OH45,821928.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Barnstable Town, MA45,77113938.7%
      Whitney, NV45,8771077.3%
      Morgan Hill, CA45,880200100.5%
      San Bruno, CA45,907214114.2%
      Oakland Park, FL45,90711312.8%
      Cleveland Heights, OH45,821928.1%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.