A+
20%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
57%
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 East Cleveland Ohio National
Cost of living8089100
Groceries9797100
Health care9896100
Housing4374100
Transportation9596100
Utilities9396100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9395100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare9693100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in East Cleveland, OH

Knowing the cost of living in East Cleveland allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in East Cleveland stands at 80, marking it 20% lower than the national average.

According to the latest cost of living report, East Cleveland stands out as one of the most budget-friendly places to reside in the nation. In fact, only a handful of cities boast a cost of living index that is at least 20% below the national average, and East Cleveland proudly belongs to that select group. This underscores the exceptional affordability of this region in comparison to other urban centers.

East Cleveland housing costs are 57.5% less than the national average, making this area an affordable place to live. Your net income can be heavily impacted by housing expenses, at times exceeding 30%. Fortunately, this area demonstrates that both homeownership and renting costs are significantly more budget-friendly than in the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, East Cleveland residents can earmark a more manageable portion of their income to housing.

Is East Cleveland Affordable?

Is East Cleveland an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in East Cleveland, the median home price is 68.3% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 32.3% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in East Cleveland come in at $33,398, which is 58.9% lower than the national average.

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

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in East Cleveland, is 57.5% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The East Cleveland 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 East Cleveland is 11% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in East Cleveland is 20% lower than the national average
  • East Cleveland housing is 57% 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 East Cleveland

See all the best places to live around East Cleveland

Compare East Cleveland, OH Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$57,389$4,782$1,339$1,722
      Renters$26,032$2,169$607$781
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in East Cleveland, 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 East Cleveland have a median income of $57,389. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,339 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $26,032, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $607.

      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.
      Linndale, OH3468118.5%
      Kinsman Center, OH6748218.1%
      Highland Hills, OH7828218.0%
      Cleveland, OH391,3408118.9%
      Bainbridge village, OH7568217.8%
      East Cleveland, OH17,5638020.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wayne, MI17,5668712.7%
      Islip, NY17,55913939.5%
      Poplar Bluff, MO17,5708614.1%
      Springfield, TN17,576945.9%
      Massapequa Park, NY17,53715656.3%
      East Cleveland, OH17,5638020.2%
      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.